Those of you who have been reading my blogs or my book know that I am drawn to metaphors. I have been using metaphors in my counseling work for so long that this has become a creative tool that comes spontaneously as I respond to the stories clients tell me.
Some people are visual in their learning style and mental processing. They receive counsel more readily when I can provide a word picture. They have to see a concept, and not just cogitate about it.
As I was reading James Chapter 3 the other day, I noticed a rich cluster of seven metaphors all portraying the power of the tongue, and ironically, the powerlessness we experience sometimes in attempting to control it.
If we haven’t been “guarding our hearts with all diligence” (Prov. 4:23), we might find that words spill out that are foolish, ungodly, corrupting to our souls, or harmful to others.
Let’s peruse some of these metaphors together, shall we?
But before diving in, I want you to notice that the chapter begins with an admonition to teachers. James writes that “not many of you” should desire to be teachers because of the higher level of accountability to teach accurately and without error. He makes what I think is a startling statement:
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 (James 3:2).
We all have struggles and flaws we are working out in our lives with the Lord. But teachers must be sure that their use of words reflects lives that are disciplined and self-controlled.
The rest of the chapter about the tongue applies to every believer.
- The first metaphor James employs is that of a horse.
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal (v.3).
I’ve been in the company of horses just enough to understand how massive they are, and yet how meek and trainable they are. It only takes a small device in their mouths, and they obediently follow the lead of the humans they serve.
If only we could put bits in our mouths at times so that we only respond to the will of the Lord and turn immediately in the direction he is leading us!
- The second is a ship on the sea:
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. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. (v.4-5a)
The direction of the little rudder underneath a boat, which can’t even be seen, determines the destination of the vessel. The tongue, for better or worse, determines our direction in life. Sometimes we find ourselves landing in a pleasant place, and sometimes we experience a shipwreck.
If only we could respond gracefully and immediately to the gentle, authoritative hand of the Father on the rudder of our souls!
- The third metaphor is fire:
Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. (v.5b-6)
Some of us have witnessed firsthand the destructive power of fire when it is out of control. This is compared to the destruction and corruption unleashed when a person fails to take control of his tongue.
If only we could watch out for the little fires we set with our words, catch them and extinguish them before they grow into uncontrolled, catastrophic blazes!
- The fourth metaphor is about creatures on the earth:
All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. (v. 7-8a)
Like horses, many other animals are tamable and trainable. We wouldn’t dare to keep pets in our homes or animals in shelters and zoos if they were not subject to our leadership and care.
If only our tongues were as readily trained as a dolphin, a dog, or a parrot!
- The fifth metaphor is pouring out poison:
[The tongue] is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 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. (v. 8b-10)
The author uses this metaphor to point out the hypocrisy of praising God and then cursing his creatures. It’s like spewing poison from our mouths. It grieves the heart of God. (See 1 John 4:20).
If only we could become quick to bless others instead of speaking curses upon them by criticizing, accusing, or gossiping!
- The sixth metaphor is water:
Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? (v.11)
Though some groundwater is brackish (a combination of fresh and salt water), generally springs produce fresh water that is pure and drinkable. Sometimes we can be pure and holy when we are in religious environments and then turn on the profanity and negativity in the privacy of our own hearts and homes.
If only we could consistently use our words in ways that bring refreshment and life to everyone we meet!
- The seventh metaphor is fruit-bearing plants:
My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? (v.12)
Of course not, is the answer to this rhetorical question. If we are believers, followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are expected to stay connected to him (John 15) and thereby produce a particular cluster of fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal.5:22-23).
If only the words of our mouths could consistently reflect that we abide with Jesus and that he is producing abundant fruit in us.
The Holy Spirit really wants us to get this lesson, because he inspired James to reach for seven different metaphors to illustrate it.
Are we able to grow in this area? Is it realistic to believe we can become masters of our own tongues? Though James casts doubt on this question, I believe it is.
Go back now and read the bold “If only…” statements I’ve written after each metaphor and take away the “If only.” Those statements then become aspirations and declarations of faith.
Let us aspire together to use our words in winsome, truthful, grace-filled ways.
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Please let me know your thoughts!
