3:1-2 How are we to understand what James says here?
3:1-2 How are we to understand what James says here?
This is a grim warning to Christians aspiring to be teachers in the New Testament church . Masters (KJV), means teachers, but it also includes every leader in the church, because they are all instructors in God's word - they all give instruction to a congregation - and no one has a more solemn responsibility in the church than those who teach the sacred scriptures.
James warns Christians here not to aspire too hastily to be a teacher, because they increase their liability for judgement if they do. This is not meant to discourage true teachers, but to draw to the attention of prospective teachers the seriousness of the teaching ministry (CP Jas 3:3-12).
The warning about unbridled tongues here is primarily directed to teachers, and secondarily to all Christians. It is very easy for teachers to sin with their tongue. They have a tremendous influence over the people they teach, and they must give very careful consideration to not only what they say, but how they say it. The teaching ministry is one of great responsibility, and must therefore be entered into with extreme caution.
In V3-12 James highlights the nature of the tongue. He compares the damage the tongue can do to a raging fire which originates in hell. Horses are large animals, yet they can be controlled by a tiny bit in their mouth. Great ships can be steered by small rudders. All kinds of animals, reptiles and fish have been tamed, but no man can tame the tongue. It is the smallest member of the body, but is full of wickedness, and unless it is controlled it will defile the body (CP Psa 34:13; 39:1; Pr 17:20; 26:28; 28:23; Mt 12:36-37; Eph 4:29, 31; 5:3-4; Col 3:8-9; Tit 3:1-2; Jas 4:11; 1Pe 3:8-10).
The activity of the tongue is hypocritically inconsistent. It is used to bless God, and also to curse people made in God's image (CP Psa 62:4).
Because of the tendency to sin with the tongue Christians must monitor every word they speak, avoiding criticism, slander, backbiting and gossip. They must be swift to hear and slow to speak, taking every thought into captivity unto the obedience of Christ Jesus (CP Pr 10:18-21; Ecc 5:1-7; Jas 1:19 with 2Cor 10:3-5; 13:10; Ga 5:22-23; Jas 3:13; 1Pe 3:10).
Jas 3:13 teaches that wise and understanding Christians give practical proof of their wisdom by their conduct and the humility with which they perform good deeds.
But no Christians who harbours bitter jealousy in their heart, or are filled with self-seeking ambition, are inspired by God. Rather, they are inspired by the devil, for where there is bitter jealousy and self-seeking ambition so too there is confusion and all sorts of evil and vile practices. Christians must never allow themselves to yield to evil desires and destructive competitiveness.
If we always seek God's wisdom, we will be set free from the need to compare ourselves with others, and want what they have (CP V14-16; Pr 14:30; Ro 12:3; 13:13; Ga 5:26; Php 2:3; 1Pe 2:1-3).