Have you ever known anyone who claimed to be wise, but spoke and acted foolishly? Their contradictory speech and actions often puzzle us.

James 3: 5 (NIV) “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”

In James chapter 3, James compares the destruction the uncontrolled tongue can do to a raging fire, you can neither control nor reverse the damage it can do. What you say and what you do not say are both important. Proper speech is not only saying the right words at the right time, but it is also controlling your desire to say what you shouldn’t.

At times our own words are right and pleasing to God, but at other times, they are destructive and violent. Which of these speech patterns reflects our true identity? Just as you can identify a tree by the type of fruit it produces, you can evaluate your wisdom by the way you act.

James 3:13 (NIV) “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”

True wisdom can be measured by the depth of a person’s character. Foolishness leads to disorder, but wisdom leads to peace and goodness.

James 3:17 (NIV) “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

Wisdom shows itself in wise speech. Careful speech and wise, loving words are the seeds of peace. The wisdom of God that helps control the tongue can help control our actions too. Seeking and accepting God’s wisdom will affect your speech and actions. Your words and deeds will convey humility, reveal the truth, and reap a harvest of righteousness.