“What is it that you say?”

You can probably think of a time when you have wished that you had kept your peace and your tongue in check, as St.James cautions us this morning in the Epistle reading. Times when you have rued the day you ever said the words that you did say. Words that you instantly regretted saying as you said them.

None of us are particularly good at biting our tongues when provoked or tempted by spite or even when we think we are right. Most of us do it and I suspect that most of us always regret it. I say; ‘most of us’ because one does come across people who never repent of their ill chosen words, either because they were unaware they had caused hurt or offence or that they deliberately and with malice a fore- thought chose to let their tongues run wild.

St.James tells us to guard our tongues and to seek to bless rather than curse. The tongue is a small member but its power outweighs its size.

It is also worth remembering, as St.James implies that the tongue expresses that which is actually going on deep within us and it uses the words that are circulating in our minds:

“ ... the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell.”                   James 3:6

The words I have just quoted are ones that we should take to heart and try to remember for the tongue can be a wonderful tool of support, affection and wisdom as well as a tool for destruction. If used well the tongue can build oneself, one’s neighbours and the community up. It can inspire others to great things - think of those inspirational orators, politicians, preachers or even broadcasters whose tongues when used for good can inspire thousands to do good. Sir Bob Geldof did that back in the 1980’s with ‘Band Aid’ in a speech that galvanised the world into helping those in need in Ethiopia. He encouraged both politicians and ordinary people to do something to help those in need. Dame Esther Rantzen in relation to Child Line and Silver Line, the footballer Marcus Rashford in relation to school meals and others have done similar things by using their celebrity tongues to lead change and development for the good of others.

The tongue, however, can also lead into temptation and evil. Think of Hitler or Mussolini and those politicians and celebrities who spout rubbish and often dangerous, unthinking rubbish that can lead to hatred, xenophobia or persecution of those different to them but who because of their celebrity status gain the support of the public who think they are right. Politicians and even Christians can fall into this trap when they speak without due thought or they allow their prejudices or preferences to run riot without check.

It takes a strong and humble character, however, to admit to a mistaken comment publicly and to ask for forgiveness and to seek penitence. We Christians have to be on our guard continually as to what we say and do.

Christian communities are notorious for their factions and in-fighting, just look at the Anglican Communion for a start. I am coming more and more to the conclusion that we Christians should pray daily for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and for wisdom before we say or do anything. Then perhaps we might give God a chance to speak his words before we speak our words to others.

Holy God, please grant us the gift of wisdom in our thoughts and daily life. That we may pause and think before we speak and seek to use our words to build your kingdom here on earth. Through Jesus Christ our Lord and guide. Amen.