James 3:1 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.
With all the wisdom and exhortations in the book of James, I find this one the most solemn: how we use our mouths. Being a preacher/teacher (who is crazy enough to write blogs too...) the power of words is intimidating. The reminder that if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, reminds us all how imperfect we are - how far we fall short. Think also of Solomon's reminder that the more we talk the greater chance we will sin, and things seem even more scary. But this doesn't mean we need to just shut up. What if we know something to be true and fail to say it? What if we know the right direction to take and remain silent? Someone needs to turn the rudder in the right direction. Silence is not the answer. Being slow to speak is. Weighing our words to see if they be worthy is. Considering their impact is imperative.
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