Every Christian is tempted and sin each and every day, and we all must admit that “we all stumble in many ways” (v. 2). It seems that sins of the tongue head the list of struggles. The person who is able to discipline their tongue gives evidence that they can control their whole body. They proves that they are a mature person.

Is James making a mistake by connecting sins of the tongue with sins committed by “the whole body”? No, because words usually lead to deeds. During World War II, there were posters that read “LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS!” But loose lips also wreck lives. A person makes an unguarded statement and suddenly finds oneself involved in a fight, conflict, or argument. Their tongue has forced the rest of their body to defend themselves.

Never underestimate the guidance you give by the words you speak or do not speak. Jesus spoke to a woman at a well, and her life and the lives of her neighbors experienced a miraculous change (John 4). Peter preached at Pentecost and 3,000 souls came to salvation through faith in Christ (Acts 2).

Our words can start fires. “For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases. As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife” (Prov. 26:20–21, ESV). In some churches, there are members or pastors who cannot control their tongues, and the result is destruction. We are all aware of these stories of pastors or preachers causing harm to the church because of their verbal abuse, spiritual abuse, or the things they have said that is not spoken of in the Spirit of God. But once the pastors are removed or the slanderous congregants leave (or are forced to leave), a beautiful spirit of harmony and love takes over.