Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
In calling us to self-examination, James has continually brought us back to the mirror to look at our lives. Now he calls on us to stop there and listen to ourselves. We say a lot of words every day - even the most introverted among us - and what we say matters. The bottom line of spiritual fruit is self-control, and one of the things we find hardest to control is our mouths. As we stand and listen to ourselves, we must ask a number of questions: Do I talk so much to make myself seem wiser, more spiritual, more valuable? Do I say things that put others down to make me seem better? Are there things I could say and should say that would be beneficial for someone else, but I am being too selfish and complacent to say something? May the goodness of God fill our hearts, and therefore our lips, today.
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