Exegetical Paper
The Bible tells about many great lessons, in this paper we will be looking at and discussing James 3: 1-12. These verses talk about the corruptness of the tongue and how we cannot tame it, but can strive to control it through God’s guidance and help. A person, who has true religion in their heart, should exert a controlling influence over their own tongue.
“Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because
you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” James warns against large
amounts of teachers, because more is expected of them concerning their tongue, since it
effects so many. “James merely says that the judgment of teachers will be especially strict because greater responsibility rests on the teachers. The reason for this is that the teacher’s essential instrument -the tongue- which is so easily misused, has great influence” (Expositor’s Bible 186). “It reminds James friends that with great privilege comes great responsibility. Whenever people look to us for leadership, there we have great opportunity to hurt them. They have literally put their spiritual, mental, and emotional welfare in our hands”(Hubbard 73). This subject is extremely important to James, throughout his entire book he warns of the dangers of an unruly tongue. In James 1:19, he tells us to be quick to listen slow to speak and slow to become angry. Basically he is telling us to be careful with what you say, think ahead and do not say something you will regret later. Also in James 1:26 he talks about keeping a tight rein on your tongue, and if you do not, then your religion is worthless. James is trying to keep from having ...