阅读经文 

多年以来，我们一家曾多次经历过森林大火带来的烦恼。有一次，一场森林大火蔓延到距离我们的家只有一公里的地方，火势才受到控制；因为发生了火灾，我们要更改我们的度假计划；还有好几次，由于着火后外面的空气质量太差，我们甚少离家外出。每一场的大火，开始时都是细小的火花，但燃烧起来便成为熊熊烈焰的人间地狱了。

雅各说，不适当的言语就像引发火灾的火花，两者都会带来不可估量的伤害。一点点流言蜚语被传播出去了，有谁能知道它会带来多么严重的伤害。随便说出的一句闲话，可能会中伤了一个人，令他终生留下疤痕。最可悲的是，我有可能就是说那些话的那个人。

有一个好消息告诉我们说圣灵所结的果子就是节制。纵使“舌头没有人能制伏，”（参雅 3:8）然而神的灵却能节制它。当我们与圣灵保持一致时，我们便会留意到，圣灵正在帮助我们控制我们的言语舌头。雅各说：有了“从上头来的智慧，”（参雅 3:17）在生活上的各方面，我们便可以有节制。从神而来的智慧带来和平、恩慈、谦卑、怜悯等等美好的果子，这就是按神的旨意活出的生命。

Over the years our family has had many brushes with forest fires. At one point a forest fire came to within a kilometer of our house before being brought under control. We have had vacation plans altered because of wildfires, and on other occasions we seldom left our home because of the poor air quality. Each of these fires began with a spark and a tiny flame before becoming a raging inferno.

James writes that poorly chosen words are like sparks that cause a great fire. Both bring immeasurable damage. A little gossip runs its course, and who knows how much damage it causes! A careless word is spoken, and a person is left wounded and scarred for a lifetime. Sadly, I may be the one who uttered those words.

The good news is that the fruit of the Spirit is self-control. Though "no human being can tame the tongue," the Spirit of God can. When we walk in step with the Spirit, we will notice that the Spirit helps us to control our tongues. And, says James, "with the wisdom that comes from heaven," self-control in other areas of life follows. Godly wisdom brings peace, love, humility, mercy, and good fruit for life the way God intends it to be.