Wisdom for the Tongue

Like the Pauline churches, James’ church was a church of the Spirit. Though there were formal offices, such as elder (5:14), there was no ordination process or schooling needed to teach and preach. As a result it was relatively easy for people with some ability, but worldly motivation, to put themselves forward as teachers. (Our modern seminary-ordination process makes this take longer, but it is not successful in preventing it; rather, it makes such a person a more permanent fixture in the church.) These uncalled teachers criticized others and formed cliques in the church; other church members followed suit in speaking harshly of them. James’ response is to call for control of the tongue, citing the danger of the tongue, giving the marks of God’s Spirit, and finally e…