In this episode, Pastors Whit George and Seth Swindall discuss James chapter 3 and the call to slow down, listen first, and let your words reflect the wisdom of the One who sees more than you do.
The book of James is one of the most convicting and personally challenging books in the Bible—especially when it comes to our words. James 3 reminds us that the tongue is small but incredibly powerful, capable of building up or burning down entire worlds.
Like fire, words in the right place bring warmth and light; in the wrong place, they bring destruction.
A fire in the fireplace is good. A fire in the living room? Disaster. That’s James’s point—our tongues are wild, untamable, and dangerous apart from divine wisdom.
If you can control your tongue, James says, you can control your whole body. But that control doesn’t come from willpower. You can’t white-knuckle your way into godly speech.
Our words flow from our hearts—what’s inside will eventually come out. So before we speak, post, or comment, we have to slow down and ask: Why do I feel the need to say this?
The problem isn’t just our vocabulary; it’s our motives. Our sinful words come from a warped perspective, and if we want to change what comes out, we have to let God reshape what’s within.
That starts with hearing a new word. Find a verse to meditate on—one that recalibrates your heart and mind to what’s true. This isn’t about positive self-talk; it’s about surrendering your divided heart to the only One who can unite it.
Psalm 86:11 says, “Unite my heart to fear Your name.” When we live with divided loyalties—part flesh, part Spirit—we end up speaking from confusion, frustration, or pride.
But when we let the Spirit lead, our strongest desires give way to our deepest ones: to please God and reflect His love.
Jesus taught us to pray, “Our Father in heaven…”—a reminder that He sees what we can’t. God has a perspective we don’t.
When we pause before speaking, we’re not just practicing restraint; we’re making room for heaven’s wisdom to interrupt our natural impulses.
We all carry scars from words that wounded us—and if we’re honest, we’ve wounded others too. We minimize the damage by saying, “I didn’t really mean it,” but followers of Jesus don’t get to hide behind excuses.
We belong to a different kingdom, one where truth and love go hand in hand.
Being “slow to speak” doesn’t mean staying silent or suppressing emotion; it means letting God’s message come through without being hijacked by your humanity.
Before you speak today—before you text, post, or respond—ask yourself:
Am I the source of what’s leading my life right now, or is God?
Because what fills your heart will eventually fill your mouth. And when heaven fills your heart, your words can become a spark of life instead of a fire of destruction.
Show notes:
Check out their weekend messages:
Pastor Seth Swindall is the Senior Pastor of our church in West Tulsa. Check it out!
test test