Reading: James
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be(James 3:5-10).
The devil’s greatest weapon in his ongoing battle to discredit the Word of God is not one that he has any direct control over, but it is one that he takes great pride in. Whenever we open our mouths and speak without first running what we are saying through a godly filter, we dilute our witness for God. Instead of building and enlarging the family of God through the love of Christ, our words destroy, criticize, and tear down those most in need of help. Worse still, due to our publicly recognized status as Christians, our words are attributed to God, and the hearer of those words turns even further away from Him in misplaced disgust and anger. When we use the same tongue to curse our neighbor that we use to bless God, the blessings are quickly forgotten, and the curses are magnified. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain (James 1:26). Without ever having to lift a finger, Satan’s position in this world is strengthened by those who are sworn to oppose him. An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered (Prov. 11:9).
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God (Matt. 5:9). Just as our unfiltered words can do incalculable damage, words that we speak from a spiritfilled heart can do infinite good. The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide (Ps. 37:30-31). While we by ourselves may never be able to fully tame our tongue, when we cede control of it to the Holy Spirit, an amazing transformation occurs. The tongue that is controlled by the Holy Spirit can be used to enlighten, edify, encourage, uplift, teach, and counsel. It speaks God’s truth in all things, even as it maintains an attitude of Christian love and service. At all times, it brings goodness and righteousness to the members of the body of Christ and shares those same attributes with all who still need His initial mercy and grace. When we keep our tongues in subjection to the will of God, Satan’s position in this world is weakened.
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned(Matt. 12:35-37).
Thought for Today: Representing God is a full-time commitment; Others will judge His message based on our actions.
Cross References: For James 2:8: See Lev. 19:18. James 2:11: See Ex. 20:13- 14. James 2:23: See Gen. 15:6. James 4:6: See Prov. 3:34.Word Studies:1:27 visit = care for, look after the needs of; 2:11 kill = murder; 3:2 we offend all = we all make mistakes and offend others; 3:4 listeth = determines; 5:3 cankered = tarnished; 5:11 pitiful = full of compassion.
Pray for StaffRyan McCrary • Country: Lithuania (3,505,738) Eastern Europe • Major Language: Lithuanian • Limited Religious Freedom • 77.2% Roman Catholic; 4.1% Russian Orthodox; 0.8% Old Believer; 0.6% Evangelical Lutheran, 0.2% Evangelical Reformist; 0.8% Other (Sunni Muslim, Jewish, Greek Catholic, Karaite); 6.2% None; 10.1% Unspecified • Prayer Suggestion: Seek God in prayer with your whole heart, and He will hear you (Jer. 29:12-13).