The book of James contains practical wisdom for Christian living. In James 3:1-12, James warns about the dangers of an uncontrolled tongue. He uses vivid word pictures to drive home his point – including comparing the tongue to a fire.
“The tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.” (James 3:6 ESV)
This verse is full of imagery that emphasizes the incredible power and potential destructiveness of our words. Let’s break it down phrase by phrase:
“The tongue is a fire”
Fire is a powerful, unruly element that can get out of control easily. James says our tongues have a similar potential. Like a spark that ignites an uncontrollable blaze, careless or malicious words can do incredible damage that we may regret but cannot undo. Proverbs 16:27 warns that “a worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.” Our words have the power to burn, scar and destroy relationships, reputations and lives.
“A world of unrighteousness”
James describes the tongue as a “world of unrighteousness.” Our unbridled tongues can contain wrong thoughts, evil motives, deceptive speech, gossip, slander, boasting and all kinds of ungodliness within them. Jesus said “it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person” (Matthew 15:11). The tongue provides a window into the sinful nature that dwells within us.
“Staining the whole body”
When our tongues are misused, it ends up tainting our entire lives. Imagine an ink stain spreading across a shirt, ruining the whole garment. That’s the picture here. Our walk with God is contaminated by unrighteous speech. What comes out of our mouths reveals and impacts our inner person. Proverbs 4:24 instructs us to “put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.” Our words should reflect the new life we have in Christ.
“Setting on fire the entire course of life”
James again uses the imagery of fire here. He says an untamed tongue can set the whole course of one’s life ablaze. Thoughtless words can destroy relationships, careers, reputations, ministries and future opportunities in the blink of an eye. We’ve all seen examples of people – including public figures and leaders – laid low by careless speech and comments made in haste. As Jesus warned, “by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37).
“Set on fire by hell”
Where does this propensity toward toxic speech come from? James unequivocally states that it is “set on fire by hell.” In other words, destructive, evil speech is inspired by the powers of darkness. Satan seeks to divide people against each other through hurtful words. Gossip, slander and lies all have their source in the demonic realm. Believers must recognize that taming the tongue is a spiritual battle requiring prayer and the Holy Spirit’s help.
Taming the Tongue
After his vivid description of the dangers of the tongue, James goes on to prescribe the cure. He challenges believers to tame the tongue and use it for good rather than harm. How can we gain control over our speech?
Recognize the Power of Words
We must understand and never underestimate the potency of our words, for good or ill. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits” (Proverbs 18:21). Our speech has consequences. We can build others up or tear them down with what we say.
Think Before Speaking
“When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but whoever restrains his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19). We get ourselves in trouble when we speak hastily and thoughtlessly. The wise person takes time to think carefully before they speak. We should ask ourselves: is this true? Is it kind and necessary? Will it edify others?
Pray for Wisdom
James encouraged believers to pray for wisdom (James 1:5). We need God’s help to tame our tongues. Pray for the sensitivity to know when to speak and when to remain silent. Ask God to help you respond with gracious, truthful and encouraging words.
Let the Holy Spirit Guide
Self-control over our speech is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). As we submit to God’s Spirit and walk in step with Him each day, He will enable us to bridle our tongues. “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29)
Stay Centered on Christ
Jesus emphasized that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Our words flow out of what fills our hearts. The more we set our minds on Christ and fill our hearts with His Word, the less room there will be for unwholesome speech. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).
The Blessing of Wise Speech
While James focuses on the dangers of speech, we must also realize that the tongue has incredible potential for good. When guided by God’s wisdom, our words can minister grace to others (Ephesians 4:29), speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), praise God (Psalm 34:1), teach others (Titus 2:1), encourage the weary (Isaiah 50:4) and proclaim the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20).
May we endeavor through God’s power to use our words in ways that build others up, point them to Christ and bring blessing. “From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him” (Proverbs 12:14).
