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Like bits and rudders the tongue also is a small item.
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In verse 5 the NIV says, “likewise the tongue,” the NASB says, “so also the tongue.” This gives the application of the two preceding verses. The first two examples show how the tongue, even though it is small, can do good. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. 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. “When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. In verses 3-5 he shows what the tongue is like: Since the tongue is so difficult to control – we all stumble in this area – if anyone controls it perfectly, he gains control of himself in all other areas of his life as well.
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In other words James was telling them not to run too quickly into the role of teaching. The Greek is literally “Stop becoming many teachers.” “Not many of you should presume to be teachers because they will be judged more strictly” which is a little scary when that is what you are trying to do. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check” (James 3:1-2). “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. Every word reveals the condition of the heart. We need to see that the heart and tongue are directly associated with each other. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man unclean. “What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him unclean, but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him unclean. The mouth, after all, is connected to the mind.įirst, let’s think about what Jesus said in Matthew 15:11, 18-20: He will talk about a controlled tongue and also for controlled thoughts. Now James gives another measure of spiritual maturity – a believer’s speech.