The book of Proverbs notes how the fool and the wise are often distinguished by their speech. We all know what it feels like to be hurt by rude remarks, or to say things we later regret. Once those careless, wounding words escape your mouth they can never be retrieved. But words that are gentle and gracious, truthful and timely, bring great joy – both to the speaker and to the listener, and to God Himself. So the wise will think before they speak. James 3 notes how this is especially true for teachers, not only because they use so many words, but because their words influence others. Still, we all sin by our speech, and in so many different ways: we gossip, slander, lie, boast, provoke, curse, and attack. Indeed, who is able to “tame the tongue”? It’s such a small part of the body, yet it is incredibly powerful and potentially destructive. James compares it to the bit that controls the horse, the rudder that steers the ship, and the spark that causes a forest fire. He warns that the tongue can be an instrument of the devil. It corrupts the whole person for an entire lifetime. Believers who control their tongues will direct the whole course of their lives in God-pleasing ways. But if the tongue is not restrained, the entire body is likely to be uncontrolled and undisciplined (v 1-8). Throughout his book, James emphasizes the importance of consistency. So how can the same tongue be used to praise God and then to curse people made in His image? Can a tree bear two kinds of fruit? Can a spring produce both fresh and salty water? Of course not! The inconsistency of our speech should drive us to God in repentance, for only a renewed heart can produce pure and consistent speech (v 9-12). If we would guard our hearts, we must choose godly wisdom over worldly wisdom. And our choice will inevitably affect our relationships. Those who possess true wisdom from God will bring peace, not strife, to their community. They will show wisdom through “good conduct” and “meekness,” rather than “bitter jealousy and selfish ambition.” The world never chooses meekness; it chooses assertiveness and demands its rights, following the devil himself. Not surprisingly, strife is the result. By contrast, believers follow the way of Jesus, not insisting on their own privileges. They are pure in heart, seeking to please God. And loving mercy, they take action to meet the needs of others. In dialogue, they are sincere, teachable, reasonable, not easily offended, and never quarrelsome. Their communities will be truly blessed, for the seeds they sow will yield that rare harvest of both righteousness and peace (v 13-18). For further meditation: