The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:17-18, NIV)
Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly, (v1): Bible teachers, and all those in ministry, will be judged more strictly. People follow their leaders, whether that is in government, culture, or in religion; we who are leaders, must be very careful where we are leading people to. Many years ago, I travelled a great deal with an American preacher called Lester Sumrall; one time he said to me how many Christian leaders at the end of their lives became distracted and would drift away from the Truth of Scripture. If you desire to be in leadership, you will influence those who follow you, therefore be careful to follow Scripture closely.
Or take ships as an example. 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. The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark, (v4-5): We have to be so careful the direction we choose. If we are responding to the wrong voices, we are in danger of turning the wrong way. It is so easy to use the tongue the wrong way; great forest fires are often started by something small, so it is with our tongue, many relationships fall apart because of a careless remark.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be, (v9-10): Our words are a reflection of our secret thoughts (Luke 6:45); it is easy to praise God publicly whilst secretly despising our fellow brother in Christ, but this does not please God. Our words, thoughts and actions must align to be pleasing in the sight of God. ‘May the words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight,’ (Psalm 19:14, NIV).
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom, (v13): Show your wisdom by the way you live. Don’t just say you believe in God, let your actions be the demonstration of your faith in Him. Our lives should be full of the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. If we sow discord, we will reap a bad harvest, but if we sow to the Spirit, we will reap a harvest of righteousness.