We’ve already considered how Bible teachers will be held accountable because of their words, based on the context of James 3:1. Accurate, loving, and wise use of words matter. Yet, bringing the tongue under consistent control can be difficult. —
All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:7-8)
James goes on to identify the cause for this lack of consistency on what is within — the essence of who we truly are.
Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. (James 3:11-12)
The starting point for gaining control over our tongue is sowing good into our hearts.
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. (Lk. 6:45)
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Prov. 4:23)
Unless reading from a script, word by word, what is in a teacher’s heart is bound to come out at some time in some way. If truth isn’t sown into a teacher’s heart, then the teacher could misconstrue God’s Word. If love isn’t sown into a teacher’s heart, then the teacher could get bad attitudes toward students. If righteousness isn’t sown into a teacher’s heart, then the teacher could lack integrity.
The staying power for maintaining control of the heart, and hence our words, comes from God.
God provides the power for Bible teachers to guard their hearts so the overflow consistently represents Him well.
- We have His Word to warn us. When we saturate our being with what God teaches to be good by meditating on it and memorizing it, it guards our heart.
They (the decrees of the Lord) are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (Ps. 19:10-11)
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Ps. 119:11)
- We have God’s grace to teach us. When we rely on Him to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves, self-control is possible because it’s Him working in us.
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age… (Titus 2:11-12)
- We have His Spirit to change us. As we walk in the Spirit, our flesh comes under check and the qualities we need within us grow. Words that flow from the fruit of the Spirit can only be good.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal. 5:22-23)