This 9m episode provides a reading from the 3rd chapter of the Book of James, verses 1 - 12 in regards to the untamable tongue of man. The concept of taming the tongue is found in James 3 where God declares, through the apostle James, that “no one can tame the tongue” (James 3:8). The lengthy discussion about the tongue in this chapter is both convicting and illuminating. Among the things this chapter reveals about the tongue: it is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts (verse 5); it is a fire and a world of evil that defiles the whole person (verse 6); it is set on fire by hell (verse 6), and it is an unrestrainable evil and full of deadly poison (verse 7). Is it any wonder, then, that God declares that taming the tongue is impossible?
Both the bit and the rudder must overcome contrary forces. By definition, a bit is a piece of metal or synthetic material that fits in a horse's mouth The bit must overcome the wild nature of the horse, for it aids in the communication between the horse and its rider.
And the rudder must fight the winds and currents that would drive the ship off its course.
The rudder moves in the direction of lower pressure. As the rudder goes, so goes the stern, and the boat turns.
In the 6th verse Fire is a chemical reaction that converts fuel and oxygen into carbon dioxide and water. The good of Fire is that removes the low-growing underbrush, cleans the forest floor of debris, opens it up to sunlight, and nourishes the soil. Reducing this competition for nutrients allows established trees to grow stronger and healthier.
Fires not only start out small but spread and grow, creating heat; it also defiles, leaving behind a charred mess in their wake.
Fiery words can defile a home, a Sunday school class, a tear down the congregation of a church. The only thing that can wash away that defilement is the blood of Jesus Christ from that charred mess made by a fiery tongue.
