This week Foundry is reading the book of James together. It is an exciting look into what Early Christianity was like and was written by James, the half-brother of Jesus. Each day we will post the scripture reading and a short audio commentary. Make sure to tune in each day.

James 3

Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.

3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4 And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. 5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.

But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. 10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 11 Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? 12 Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, an d you can't draw fresh water from a salty spring.

13 If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

Words (Without) Friends

Is anyone else good at putting their foot in their mouth? We've all done it. Some of us are habitual and other simply get caught in an odd situation. We are entering the portion of James where he really begins looking at the parts of our life that have the ability to absolutely control us, good or bad.

Some of us might immediately write off this passage because we don't see ourselves as teachers. But what if we changed this word to be "influencers"? Because if we take the call to discipleship seriously, we can all place ourselves inside of this call. Yes, James is outlining a greater requirement for those in religious leadership, but he is also setting a different level of expectation for all of us who consider ourselves disciples of Christ.

Our words have the ability to either prove us or ruin us. And we need to take them seriously.

Reflection Questions

1. Think of a situation where your words have gotten you in trouble?
2. Can you remember a time when someone else's words have hurt you?
3. How can your words narrate your journey with Jesus better?