Untameable and Treacherous!
In this lengthy section on the tongue James gives two more word pictures that show the predicament it places us in. It’s “untameable” and “treacherous.” Lets go to the first of them - verse 7-8
James 3:7-8 [7] All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, [8] but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
Many years ago I went to the circus. They had the usual acts - clowns, performing elephants, acrobats and a lion tamer. The high point of the lion tamer’s act was to stick his head in animal’s mouth. The lion didn’t look in the least bit interested in the snack tickling its tonsils, but the point was made - it had been tamed. …It’s the point James makes - all sorts of wild animals have been tamed, but not the tongue - it’s untameable. …Even the strongest of Christians cannot say that their tongue is fully under their control, that it’ll never let them down again, that they’ll never wound anyone again, that they’ll never criticise a person or use it to grieve the Holy Spirit. That’s why we must be always on our guard.
The second word picture suggests it’s capable of great treachery. James 3:9-12 says:
James 3:9-10 [9] With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. [10] Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
A commentator I have read on James says this. “One of the most challenging sermons I have ever heard was called ‘10 minutes after the benediction.’ It spoke of those who moved in moments from the gloria to gossip, from creed to criticism, from worshipping God to wounding man.” …Can any of us plead not guilty to that sort of thing?
…So once more a lesson on the tongue - this time highlighting its depravity. …It’s untameable and capable of treachery. But once again, this little wagging organ doesn’t have to be given over to what it’s so inclined to do. James is adamant - he says “my brothers and sisters, this should not be.” And he further illustrates
James 3:11-12 [11] Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? [12] My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
The point is clear - as Christians we’re to use our tongues with consistency. And we’re to offer up its use for His glory and for the up-building of one another. …Let me close with the words of Psalm 19:14. Perhaps it could be a prayer we could all pray:
Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.