Old St. Anne’s Church
September 15, 2024

This week we have just had, I might call it the end of the beginning of the year. Our first full week of classes. Our first full week of dorm, of study hall.

You have, by the way, been marvelous! I am so lucky to be able to live and work with all of you. Thank you for all the good you have done, all the grace you have given, all the energy you have invested. I can promise you one thing—you always get out of St. Andrew’s more than you put into it. That’s why we opt in! It benefits all of us, but it also benefits the most those of us who put the best of ourselves into this place. I see you doing that, and I am so grateful. I never take it for granted. Thank you.

According to the words we have heard this morning, the world is full of contradictions. So, as we end this beginning, have you experienced those contradictions? I just mentioned how much good you have done in the past week. Have there also been moments of mistakes, of neglect, of anger, or disappointment. Of course there have been! We are only human.

The writer of our epistle today, in the third chapter of James, deals in these human contradictions. The writer points out that an enormous ship is guided by a tiny rudder. A powerful horse is directed by a small bit in her mouth. A great forest is set ablaze by a minute spark.

Our writer wants us to know this: tiny human moves can lead to great destruction or, equally possible, great achievement. And our writer wants us to know that as humans, the smallest organ—our tongues—can unleash the greatest powers we possess. The power to pull apart, and the power to bring together. High school—and growing up—is about discovering our power. And it’s about understanding how to use it to build up, to bring together, to heal, and to love.

No one will be flawless in this, at any age. How many of us have said something we regret? Everyone! And so, perhaps the most comforting part of this passage is the sentence: “For all of us make many mistakes.”

But to avoid mistakes, should we stop talking? Absolutely not! If one thing is clear throughout the Bible—you will learn as we work our way through it—speaking is power! God speaks creation into being in Genesis—“Let there be light!” In the book of John, God is referred to as “the word.” Jesus speaks, and miracles occur. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit presents itself in the form of tongues of flame anointing the gathered followers of Christ with the gift of speaking many languages.

So, for sure we want to be able to speak. As we begin this year, or at least, end the beginning of this year, how do we speak more for good than in error? If speaking is power, then how can we wield it for good? Our Epistle writer in James is at pains to point out, “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.” Reflect on your week. Have both blessing and cursing come from your mouths?

Of course, they both have! “For all of us make many mistakes.” We are full of contradictions. As we grow up, how can we reconcile this central contradiction, acknowledging the incredible power we have, and learning to govern it for good?

Our passage from Proverbs may have an answer. The book of Proverbs is said to be written by Solomon. Perhaps you have heard he was a wise man. It is not surprising, then, that this first chapter of Proverbs reflects on the role of wisdom in human society. In this passage Wisdom is personified, and she, too, has a tongue.

20 Wisdom cries out in the street;
in the squares she raises her voice.

21 At the busiest corner she cries out;
at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:

22 “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
and fools hate knowledge?

Now, here is a passage fit for the beginning of the school year, no!? As we seek to learn at St. Andrew’s, we seek not just knowledge, but wisdom. It is important to have information, but to use it well and for the betterment of many requires perspective. That combination of knowledge and perspective adds up to wisdom. It is a lifelong journey to become wise. You must seek knowledge and perspective to grow wise, especially during your time at St. Andrew’s.

So, how can we hear the words of Wisdom? Solomon says she is speaking to us. How do we gain both knowledge AND perspective?

1. Listen!
   Both Solomon and the writer of James admonish us to listen more than we speak. Yes, our voices matter, but wisdom is found in listening carefully, especially to things with which we disagree. This takes time and it takes humility! But I think you will find if you listen more, those you wish to influence will pay more attention when you do speak.
    
2. Be curious!
   If as the passage says, “fools hate knowledge,” then we must love it! Yes, we must read many books and study many theories, observe nature and art. But knowledge also comes from all kinds of places and from all the people around you. This is why boarding school is an amazing opportunity! We are surrounded by so much knowledge and perspective in the people around us. Be curious about those people, ask questions, and listen to them carefully! Stan, Tyler, Amy, and Parris in the dining hall; Anna, Ron, Chuck, Coop, or Tony in facilities; Megan Whittaker, Melanie Keenan, Cynthia Poarch on the administrative team; your teachers, coaches, and dorm parents, your chaplains—faculty children, the littlest ones, the senior citizens at the MOT Senior Center, the people you meet at Friendship House and Andrew’s Place; your grandparents and parents. I could go on and on. We are fortunate to be surrounded by so many who have experienced and learned so much. I have always found that perspective comes in the conversations you’re least expecting. Be open and be curious!
    
3. Be patient.
   This last one brings me back to our passage from James, and it may be the hardest, at least for me. As the writer characterizes the evil we can do with our tongues, the comparisons all indicate speed is the enemy of good. What moves faster than an unbroken horse, a rudderless ship in “strong winds,” a blazing fire, a fast-moving poison in the blood? Our writer is counseling patience. Mistakes are made in haste.

So let’s listen. Let’s be curious. And let’s be patient.

Let’s assume we still have a lot to learn. Let’s practice restraint. Let’s not jump to conclusions. Let’s assume good intent in others around us. Let’s observe, and gather, and reflect. Let’s ask more questions. And in all of this, let us harness our considerable powers for good.

These are the habits of the wise, and habits we would all do well to practice. How lucky are we to have this opportunity to practice these habits of the wise together?

With God’s help, may it be so.