As believers read the book of James, they are challenged. James after all was the half brother of Jesus, so he was full of wisdom when it came to the scripture of the Old Testament (being they were Jewish) and understanding when it came to what his brother Jesus fulfilled in his life on earth. James writes a completely true statement here — we all stumble in many ways. James begins to press us though in the next sentence, narrowing his statement to our words. James saw the same reality that we do — our words can get us in a mess. They can cause us to stumble, affecting not only us but the people around us too. Remember, this was Jesus' brother. A close disciple, with a front row seat to the life of Jesus. 

James tells us that anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect. He knew this because he saw it in Jesus. Just imagine, James watching Jesus as a teenager, not saying a single sarcastic remark to their mother. Then as the ministry started, he saw Jesus spend intentional time being quiet. When his brother who never sinned was sent before Pilate to be sentenced to death, the Bible tells us that yet again his perfection is prevalent. (“Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭26‬:‭62‬-63.) On the cross, being ripped, torn, and beaten for our sake, all he speaks is “father forgive them, they know not what they do” in response to the enemy’s taunts. All of this fulfilling perfectly the prophecy:

“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭7‬ ‭

James saw these things and picked up on what was making Jesus different — his silence. So we can take this revelation from James and let it transform us. While we all will stumble, we can grow in steadfastness as we learn to be silent. We can make it our prayer to live a life of love, responding with “forgive them Father” instead of a hateful comment back to the coworker who tries to tear you down. We can be silent before the accuser of our character, knowing that the true judge knows our heart’s intentions. We can send up a prayer instead of snapping at our spouse or children when they say that one thing that really gets under our skin. We can begin to walk a steadier path, learning from past mistakes when we reflect and see the part our tongue played in it. As we let the Holy Spirit renew us, our failures here become less and less as the love of Jesus begins to abound more and more.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You that the tongue has the power of life and death and that by controlling my tongue I can keep my whole body in check. Help me to never be at fault in what I say. Give me words of healing, wholeness, and life first for my own self and callings, second for those in my household, and third for those in the broader community. Rebuke the voices of death and divination in my heart and mind that tempt me to speak and focus on failure. Quiet the voice of my own fallen nature when I am tempted to speak of failure in things You have given me or others to do. Help me to test my words carefully before speaking and to also test carefully words others speak over me. Help me to reject the false words and lay hold of Your truth. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

When we sin in what we say, it can be embarrassing and tempting to either double-down or ignore our wrongdoing. Instead, pray ahead of time Psalm 14:3, that God would set a guard over your mouth and keep watch over the door to your lips. Train yourself to recognize and avoid evil speaking about others. And, when you sin in what you say, confess and correct it immediately.