And the Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, “Let me go over,” the men of Gilead said to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” When he said, “No,” they said to him, “Then say Shibboleth,” and he said, “Sibboleth,” for he could not pronounce it right. Then they seized him and slaughtered him at the fords of the Jordan. At that time 42,000 of the Ephraimites fell. Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then Jephthah the Gileadite died and was buried in his city in Gilead. Judges 12:5-7.
This narrative shows how people were betrayed by their words. Unfortunately, this was a trap game to find out the enemy. Because of their distinct language expressions due to being from Ephraim, their pronunciation of Shibboleth was impossible, they simply could not pronounce it properly. This was their doom because it exposed their true nature.
The Bible teaches us that our words can betray us. James 3 devotes much of the chapter to how powerful and dangerous our words can be towards others. “For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.” (3:2). He goes on to warn these Christians that the tongue is a small member but boasts of great things and can bring much destruction to others. Our words can express blessings or cursing.
With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water (James 3:9-12).
The key message of James is that our words can betray us. In fact the statement is pretty harsh. As impossible as it is for a spring to bring forth fresh water and salt water, so it should be for a believer to speak blessings in one moment, and cursing others in the next. It is not only hypocritical but non-sensical for a believer to bless God and curse men.
The meaning of words often seem inconsequential. We are used to people mouthing off, trash talking, sarcasm, tearing people down as a veiled attempt to complement them. Our cultural slang is hard to keep up with and changes for each generation. Language reveals the deep values of a people but it is difficult to master, unless you are a true native to that culture. At the best of times language is a challenge. But that is why the Scriptures become our ultimate guide for how our words need to reflect the nature of our relationship with Christ.
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace – James 3:13-18.
Wisdom from above is what ought to shape the life and words of God’s people. Notice that the expression of wisdom begins with the motivation from the heart. The opposite of wisdom are things like jealousy and selfish ambition. The expression of those toxic motivations is “boasting and being false to the truth”. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. What a striking difference between God’s expectations for our life and the way the world operates.
Our words should not betray us, but they should honor Christ. His Spirit is the spring that fills our spirit and overflows in the expressions of our life. Our words ought to be saturated with wisdom from above.
Pastor Brad
