James 3

You can go to all the leadership and management and communication classes in the world, and they are all going to tell you the same thing that James says in this passage from centuries ago: Be careful what you say and when you are in charge, be even more careful. People judge us by what we do and what we say, and when you are in a position of authority, people follow what you say.

We have the power to influence, encourage, and even hurt those around us with just a few words. Think about the different ways that you could say, “I love you.” You could be absolutely sincere and communicate affection. You could be absolutely sarcastic and communicate hatred. You could be sarcastic and communicate humor. Your words are more powerful than just words because the way you say them says more than the words themselves.

The problem is that keeping our mouth shut and communicating effectively is extremely difficult. It’s not that you want to lie to anyone. It’s that we get into a mood and the easiest method of lashing out and hurting someone is often with our words. It leaves no marks, takes little effort, and it just seems to come right out. Is that how you want to be known, though? Is that how you want to be judged by others?

At the same time, we must be careful that the words that we say are true. When you claim to be able to do something or teach something, and you really cannot. You have put yourself in the position of a leader or teacher and your audience will judge you harshly for speaking falsehoods. The truly wise will realize that they are incapable and will be open to instruction from others.