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AS SMALL HELMS FOR SHIPS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16
James 3:4

Proverbs 21:1

 

“…he turneth it

whithersoever he will.”

 

AS SMALL HELMS FOR SHIPS
 
The Apostle James invites his readers to consider another illustration: the ships. These are great vessels. The size of a ship in Paul’s time is indicated by the fact that there were 276 people onboard (Acts 27:37), plus the cargoes. However, these big vessels are driven and guided by a small helm, even when there is a strong wind. A helm is an instrument for steering the ship or a device for making the boat go the way one wants it to. It steers via the rudder which is underwater. With this seemingly little instrument, the great vessel is directed.
 
It turns: In James’ days, the people were familiar with large ships. A ship appears to be unmanageable. The rudder (controlled by the helm) is responsible for managing these big boats. Even though the rudder is only about 2% of the ship’s size, the rudder can control the ship. It can turn the whole body of the ship. The rudder is small but mighty!
 
It steers: The rudder, though small, can steer a ship to a particular destination as the pilot drives. The large body of the ship, composed of wood and metal, does not navigate on its own but follows the dictates of the captain who steers via the small helm. This illustration shows how significant the rudder’s influence is on the whole ship. The mighty seafaring boat has no will of its own except to submit to the direction of the helm (via the rudder).
 
As the helm which guides a large vessel and overcomes the impetuous winds, so also is man’s tongue. Like the small helm, the tongue can change the course of events from good to evil, and from charity into hatred. We must control our tongues because, though they are little members of our body, they can do much good or damage to our lives as well as others’.
 
THOUGHT: Am I able to control my tongue?
PRAYER: Father, keep my tongue from speaking guile and evil that I may glorify and honour Thee with my lips.

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