Chapter three of James’s letter focuses on the things we say. Here are three big ideas from the passage.

1. This affects every Christian

We all tend to sin in different ways. Adultery isn’t my problem, but I can think of a long list of other sins that I’m inclined towards. James, however, makes the point that in terms of impure ideas coming out of our mouths, it’s a sin that everyone has a problem with to some degree.

James uses some hyperbole, saying:

We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

Obviously, no one is perfect, so what can we do about the tongue?

2. No human can tame the tongue

James‘s argument for what to do about the tongue may seem a bit unexpected.

In fact, he says “no human being can tame the tongue” – at least, to the level of perfection – before launching into a description of how bad an uncontrolled tongue can be.

Although he urges readers not to slander others in the next chapter, the inference from what he writes must surely be that he wants readers to turn to God for divine help.

Here, he highlights just how damaging an untamed tongue can be for the Christian life. He says (NET):

With [the tongue] we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse people made in God’s image. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. These things should not be so, my brothers and sisters. A spring does not pour out fresh water and bitter water from the same opening, does it? Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers and sisters, or a vine produce figs? Neither can a salt water spring produce fresh water.

3. Put a lid on bragging about worldly ambition

The internet is awash with self-help gurus and advice on how to make millions with little effort. A common theme is that if we project a big, successful image, fake it till we make it and just follow the tips of some personalities with huge social media presences, then we’ll make it in life.

But James warns of such wisdom and bragging about what worldly heights we are going to achieve. “This time next year we’ll be millionaires,” says the bumbling Del Boy repeatedly in the BBC comedy series.

In contrast, James says: “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.”

What’s more, “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.”