Taming the Tongue

Today's readings: Ps 66. 67; Hos 2:1-14; Jam 3:1-13; Matt 13:44-52

The Letter of James offers many real-world applications for the Gospel. In Chapter 3, the author stresses the importance of controlling the words we say. We tend to think we use words to express thoughts, but it is equally true the words we use shape our thoughts – which in turn shape our actions. The careless word we use today may use us tomorrow.

Some people have used this passage from James to argue against profanity. There are good reasons to keep profanity in check (to paraphrase Kurt Vonnegut in Hocus Pocus, profanity gives people an excuse not to listen to you), but this scripture is more concerned with the impact words have on the community. It teaches “the tongue is a fire” (James 3:6) which can kindle an inferno of conflict. At one time or another, all of us have experienced the damage gossip, rumor and innuendo can inflict on a community. Words are powerful, so using them carelessly or maliciously is never advisable.

Instead, this scripture encourages us to think of the tongue as a bit or a rudder: control it, and we control the larger body attached to it. For example, our instinctual response to someone who cuts us off in traffic is not usually a complimentary phrase. What if, instead of calling someone a @#$% so-and-so, we reminded ourselves out loud, “Child of God.” Not as immediately satisfying, to be sure, but how might it change our thinking about that person? Done regularly, how might such reactions change our thinking, period? We might use our own words to train our brains to respond more compassionately. Popular culture lionizes the gutsy, shoot-from-the-hip types, but pausing long enough to consider and control what we say before we say it is an excellent habit to cultivate.

The author asks how the same mouth can utter both blessings and curses. He compares the mouth to a spring spouting both fresh and salt water: it can’t happen – the salty will ruin the fresh. As Christians in a society of talkers, we should be careful not to ruin our hearts with “salty” words. To be safe, maybe we can borrow an idea from St. Francis, and preach the Gospel at all times – using words only when necessary.

Comfort: We can control our tongue; it does not have to control us.

Challenge: Find ways to share the Good News without using words.

Prayer: God of strength, help me control my words and shape my heart.

Evening readings: Ps 19, 46

Tomorrow's readings: Ps 89:1-18; Hos 2:14-23; Acts 20:17-38; Luke 5:1-11