Kevin Wilson 360

Our Scripture meditation is based on James 3:7–10, a section of next week’s Epistle Reading.

[7] For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, [8] but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. [9] With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. [10] From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 

The “tongue” in this Scripture passage refers to our words. There is a risk of sinning anytime time we speak or write words, but right now we’re especially vulnerable: 

• These are the “dog days of summer.” Between the prolonged heat and the frantic start of the school year, tension run high. One release for the tension is utter harsh or argumentative words. 
• Fall sports are underway. Pride and arrogance about our favorite team can lead to all sorts of complications, from boasting about the local gridiron heroes to denigrating bitter rivals.
• The political season is heating up. People passionate about politics can develop a mob mentality, making it all the easier to speak or write unflattering commentaries about candidates with opposing ideologies.

Take special note that in verse nine, James reminds us that the people we curse are made in the likeness of God. When we denigrate or demean another person, we denigrate or demean the Creator. 

This is one reason why we’re instructed to live out the Eighth Commandment in this way, “We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.” (Luther’s Small Catechism).

The Apostle Peter also speaks to a reason for reigning in our tongues in 1 Peter chapter 3: [15]…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, [16] having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 

For all of us who have sinned with a slip of the tongue or giving a tongue lashing, remember that Jesus also used his tongue to utter these words: “It is finished!” (John 19:30). Once those words were spoken, Jesus died. With this the price was paid for all sins of all people for all time. The words Jesus spoke upon his resurrection to his disciples are the words he speaks to us: “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19).