James 3:7-12
“All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”
James 3:7-12 NIV
Your words, whether they come out of your mouth, show up in the form of a letter, an email, a text, on Facebook, or some other form of social media or communication reveals what is really on the inside of you and who you are really are.
We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and every condition of life, private or public, affords examples of this. Hell has more to do in promoting the fire of the tongue than men generally think; and whenever men's tongues are employed in sinful ways, they are set on fire of hell.
No man can tame the tongue without Divine grace and assistance. The apostle does not represent it as impossible, but as extremely difficult. Other sins decay with age, this many times gets worse, we grow more for
ward and fretful, as natural strength decays, and the days come on in which we have no pleasure.
When other sins are tamed and subdued by the infirmities of age, the spirit often grows more tart, nature being drawn down to the dregs, and the words used become more passionate. That man's tongue confutes itself, which at one time pretends to adore the perfections of God, and to refer all things to him. And at another time condemns even good men, if they do not use the same words and expressions.
True religion will not admit of contradictions: how many sins would be prevented, if men would always be consistent. Pious and edifying language is the genuine produce of a sanctified heart and none who understand Christianity, expect to hear curses, lies, boastings, and revilings from a true believer's mouth, any more than they look for the fruit of one tree from another.
But facts prove that more professors succeed in bridling their senses and appetites, than in duly restraining their tongues. Then, depending on Divine grace, let us take heed to bless and curse not; and let us aim to be consistent in our words and actions.
God’s Word is trying to tell you that your words display who you really are. Problems, stress, troubles, and trials will force what is really inside out. What do you say when you are stressed? What do you say to the people in your life when you are aggravated, annoyed, frustrated, and angry? What comes out of your mouth?
James is wanting us to listen to what we say in order to honestly evaluate who we are and who is really in control on the inside. When we let our thoughts and emotions run out of control and contrary to the Word of God, our mouths will follow. In contrast, when we learn to control our mouths and keep silent, we give ourselves time to realize that our thoughts and emotions are not necessarily righteous just because they popped up inside of us. Closed, controlled lips allow us the time we need to rein in those runaway thoughts and emotions.
With a little time and effort, we can protect against the damage that an overactive mouth can wreak on the people around us. James warns us that this is a difficult task. It is not for the faint of heart!!!
Father, thank You for this day and for Jesus and His example of how to live on earth to Your praise and glory. Please pour out Your abundant blessings over my friend and family today. Lord, we pray that we would not act hypocritically, praising God in one breath and cursing Him in another. We pray we would reflect You, speaking always in spirit and in truth with all wisdom and understanding to all today.
Father, we love You. Amen !
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