James 3, Taming the Tongue

James 3:1-12
Taming the Tongue

3:1-2 Teachers
Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.

Today, I finished my last test in my Block 1 of education courses. For the past six weeks, I've been going to school 8am-4pm every day to take Core Teaching Skills, Exceptional Students in Secondary Education, and Educational Psychology. It has been an intense, enlightening, enriching experience. Of course, one of the main topics of discussion was how teachers should act with students, colleagues, parents, and administrators, as well as what qualities an effective teacher possesses. Of course, an effective teacher should be professional at all times, knowing the difference between colleague and friend, as well as student and friend. A teacher is kind, caring, has a serving attitude, can discipline, fun, and loving. Not everyone is made to be a teacher, which is why we're held to such high standards, as we should be. We are often the only positive model in a child's life. These two verses are also very true for anyone who teaches the Bible. We must watch our words and what we teach, because often one negative comment will stick much more firmly than a thousand positive comments.

3:3-8 Tongue as Fire
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

This passage is extremely harsh, yet so true. I've experienced hurt from words and I know I've hurt others with my words. I've posted before about my struggle with gossip and negatively. Not only is it a problem in the music field, but I've also found that teachers can be guilty of it, too. Sometimes, it's just best to leave the circle and not get involved. Other times, though, you have to be the one to shut it down and tell them to stop. Neither is easy, but both must be done.

3:9-12 Fresh Water and Salt
With the tongue we praise our Lord and father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring fresh water.

As difficult as it is, I think it's possible for someone to only speak positively, along with constructive criticism. It's a challenging task. Can you go a whole day without saying anything bad about anyone or anything?