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We think of the term ‘gossip’ as being a bad thing. The term ‘gossip’ is actually a way information is verbally disseminated. Unfortunately, when ‘facts’ are spread verbally, errors are often introduced. With human nature being what it is, people ‘embellish’ the ‘facts’, inaccuracies grow, and before you know it, the original statement made at the outset of the discussion is no longer discernible. Facts get lost, people get hurt in the process, and no one comes out ahead. Another bad thing about gossip is once the truth is told and real facts are known, the one originally slandered by another’s tongue, is still viewed as ‘guilty’. Some false gossip ‘threads’ occurred hundreds of years ago but today, the rumors are still repeated!

In James’ day, just as in ours, teaching was a highly valued profession. Good teachers are needed in all areas! Mentoring younger people at either the grade school or college level requires teachers who can ‘break through’ and pass along knowledge effectively. James was writing here that when people teach, their words impact people’s lives. A person who teaches impacts everyone they touch with both their actions and their words. If you are in a teaching or leadership role, how are you affecting those you lead? Words must be carefully chosen and spoken at the right time to be true and effective.

Believers should not be confused about what James is teaching. James is not teaching silence. He is not promoting that we keep our mouths shut when truth needs to be spoken but what he is saying is to weigh what we say. What do you think an untamed tongue is? What do you think its capabilities are? An untamed tongue knows almost no bounds: gossip, ridicule, cursing, putting others down, boastfulness, pride, lying, complaining, manipulations, etc. James compares the damage the tongue can do to a raging fire. Satan uses the tongue to divide people and pit them against one another. There have been churches that have split over idle tongues wagging. The tongue could very well get its ‘fire’ from the pit of hell! No one can stop the damaging ripple of gossip once the words are launched. Our human nature wants to hear damaging information on people? Why? Why people want to see others in pain and distress makes no sense to me.

So if we are inherently born with this flesh and we have a tongue that is easily activated, what do we do to control it? We need the Holy Spirit to help us control our tongues. That is how difficult it is! If you and a good friend have a disagreement and they are wrong and you are right, before words come out of your mouth that cannot be taken back, weigh them carefully – just as James suggests. Is it more important to ‘prove’ you are right than to preserve your friendship? You could lose a friend over something you say. Is it worth it? A relationship formed over many years could be ended with a few words! Often, when we get into a disagreement with our spouse, we seem to always want the ‘last’ word. Why is that? There comes a time when our common sense needs to overrule our tongues and we should just refuse to open our mouths.

Jesus told us to love one another as we love ourselves. Love is patient and kind. Love is NOT displayed through the use of hateful words or gossip. Love is NOT displayed by our talking down to someone or talking about anyone in a way that is not true, kind, or helpful. The Holy Spirit will help us control our tongue. We must constantly seek His guidance and restraint in this matter.

- - - Mr. Joseph Mcklemurry received his Masters in Biblical Studies with Trinity Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana and is an ordained minister serving as a praise and worship leader with Beautiful Feet Church in Fort Worth, Texas.