Be Wise And Sensible With Your Words!

 

TUE Evening Prayer Reflection 111720 (James 3:1-12)

Today’s word of God from the letter of James is a rebuke to us regarding the sins of the tongue. Who amongst us can safely say that they have never put their foot in their mouth? This is an expression often said when one said something that should not have been said; something perhaps embarrassing or offensive without realizing the implications. I realized early on that it was wise to refrain from blurting out words of my thoughts while in a new culture. Plenty of what gets said have potential to be offensive mostly without realizing it. The letter of James is blunt about it.

This chapter begins with a recognition that we all make mistakes. However, some of us should be much stricter with ourselves, especially those of us who are teachers and parents. This is because people take to heart what we say. I don’t think it is wise to scale back saying I was only kidding! There is an African proverb that say “what goes out of the mouth can’t be recalled.” Hence the need to be careful of what we say. First, we think it but we don’t have to say it! We need the wisdom to learn what needs to be said because our words have potential to wound others.

The letter of James compares our tongue to the horse equipment that helps its rider to guide it or to the small rudder that guide the ship by its captain. The aim of this comparison is that the tongue might be small but it can be a powerful tool with surprising results. This is the reason why it should be controlled. The tongue is like a small fire that can quickly set ablaze a great forest with a gigantic fire! Similarly, I read in verse 6 some overtones of the impurity that can be brought to the whole body from such a tiny part of the body. We should truly be careful of the things we say. Just because the words come from someone we admire and love, doesn’t mean they need to be repeated or re-posted. We should ask ourselves these questions: Is this building others and leading them on a journey of truth discovery? Is this something that has potential to wound someone?

As Christians we should indeed be concerned by the truth and we are encouraged to speak the truth in love. What would be the most effective way to do it? Are we considerate of others in our words? The letter of James flat out tells us that none can tame a tongue but we can certainly try beginning with watching every word that comes from our mouth! Recently I posted an article that encouraged us to spend 24 hours without a single complaint. It takes discipline and self-restraint! This is similar with taking a silent retreat. We don’t have to speak; we can fast the urge to voice our opinions. This should help train the muscles of controlling our tongue figuratively. We train ourselves to be conscious of every word that we let out. Our nature is such that our tongue can be a rebel. This is echoing the words of a singer: “My mind is a rebel” Don’t let everything in your mind get out of your mouth without being filtered and carefully sifted!

Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. Prov 10: 19

Control your tongue, our speech should not mimic the world. One of our early Church Fathers, John Chrysostom wrote: “Tell the person who comes to you and speak about others: Are you here to praise someone and raise him in my esteem? Then gladly will I give ear and savor all your sweet conversation.” I loved his advice. Quite frankly, there are some conversations we, as believers should not give airtime to no matter who says them. Time is so precious to waste it like that. The Church Father said: “Let us mind our own business…”

Lord help us!

Amen!