THE TONGUE A RAGING FIRE

Dear Members in Christ,

The Tongue a Raging Fire

What does it mean when we hear the phrase “the tongue is a raging fire”? What does this expression convey? This is a phrase from the Bible. It is an expression which comes from the epistle of James. We read in James 3:5,6 

“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” James 3:5,6

Most church historians agree that the epistle of James was written early in the history of the church, and it was likely to be written in the first half of the 1^st century AD, possibly around the 40 or 50 AD. The writer James had a lesson for the early church about the conduct of Christians, especially about truthfulness and graciousness in their speech. James was quick to point out that the tongue can be very damaging if it is not bridled.

How often we hear of a person’s reputation and character that has been destroyed due to a lack of restrain over slanderous words. Or we read in history of palace intrigues where a few words whispered in the king’s ears can cause the life of a servant or a courtier. Or how in times of persecution, words of false accusation can cause the life of a saint. Such was the end of many a martyr, and also the Apostle Paul’s trials where falsehood was practiced in order to accuse him of various crimes against the Empire. Let us be therefore very watchful, and take heed to James’ exhortation, for the tongue is like a fire that can burn and cause great destruction.

A. The unrestrained tongue is like a raging fire

James used the analogy of a little spark which sets of a burning bonfire. He writes, “Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” The use of this word picture is lost to many, because these days we neither have to deal with tinder of kindling to start a fire. Except, maybe in an outdoor activity or we may use kindling to start a cooking fire. Without the benefit of matches or a lighter, the traditional way to start a fire is to ignite tinder material with hot sparks or an ember created by friction. Once an ember is formed or tinder is ignited, a small fire has started and more kindle is added to the fire to cause it to burn more intensely until a bright, flaming fire is burning away bigger pieces of firewood.   

This is the effect of an unrestrained tongue. It is like a spark or ember, small and insignificant, apparently harmless in the beginning. Once it ignites the tinder and kindling, a big raging fire results. In temperate countries, where the summer heat dries up deadfall of twigs and leaves on the forest floor, fire warnings are often issued during those seasons. A little spark, or a careless cigarette butt can result in a forest fire. The consequences of forest fires can be disastrous. Loss and damage can run into billions of dollars, and livestock, wildlife, and human lives are lost or severely endangered. 

If we know what damage a little fire can cause, we can understand what damage and injury an unrestrained tongue can do. Recently, we had the sad instance where one of our member’s house was burnt down in a fire in the early morning hours. I witnessed the aftermath of the fire, and it was a total and catastrophic loss. Dearly beloved, let us as Christian brothers and sisters be careful with our words.  Let us refrain from rumors, gossip and idle tales, for these are carnal and unedifying. Instead, let us read on and listen to what James had to teach the early church for our admonition. 

B. The Christian should be careful about his speech

James wrote in James 3:5, “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things.” The tongue is a little, small part of our body but it is capable of “boasting great things.” The Greek word that is translated by the King James’ Bible is a compound word that is similar to our modern day expression, when it is said of someone that the person is fond of “talking big.”

Unbridled speech has that carnal quality. It speaks more than it should, and it speaks often carnally to derogate and bring down others. That is all a reflection of pride and arrogance. Instead, James had this to exhort the early believer.

“For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” James 3:2

This is so true, for one who can bridle his tongue is a “perfect man”. This does not mean perfection as in “sinlessness”. But rather, a mature, spiritual minded person. So, instead of speaking with an unbridled tongue, the mature Christian should exercise restraint in his words and speech.

Dearly beloved, lets us be mild and meek in our speech, just like our Lord and Savior. The Apostle Peter writes in his epistle of the Lord that “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.” (1 Peter 2:22).

Let this be the pattern of our lives, watching our tongue, our speech and refrain from falsehood or rumormongering, or idle gossip. May God be pleased with our lives. Amen.

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor