Today’s Insight in the Word-
James 3 – Ever heard the saying, “Be careful of what you say…”? It is absolutely true. It is not difficult to say something and then later regret it. There is no magic eraser on the tongue that can wipe out what someone has said. Too often we find ourselves with our foot in the mouth, so to speak. What comes out of the mouth can be what is harboring in the heart. It is prudent of the person to consider slowly what they are saying in an argument and to quickly reach a resolution. It is not beneficial to hurt one another in our speaking, thoughts, or actions. As Christians we are to exhort one another, uplifting them always! It is never okay to hurt someone with what you say or talk bad about someone. It is also not okay to use perverse language, (Ephesians 4:29) but only the building up of one another. Maturity comes from bridling the tongue. Here is what James say from the Bible…
Vs 1-12 – “Not many should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment; for we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body.
Now when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide the whole animal. And consider ships: though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So too, though the tongue is a small part [of the body], it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites. And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our [bodies]; it pollutes the whole body,sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell.
For every creature—animal or bird, reptile or fish—is tamed and has been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things should not be this way. Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening? Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine [produce] figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.”
Walking in the Word – I desire to have a bridled tongue, especially when emotional. I feel that in my speech it is important to exhort one another, but never slander. It is easy to stumble, but maturity produces good fruit which is able to make the words sweet as honey. I desire to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) to everyone I encounter. When I am angry or emotional I desire to be quick to think, yet slow to speak.
Prayer Response to the Word – Lord God, I thank You that You have given me the ability to speak. I am truly grateful for this gift and realize that this is not a gift everyone has received. You have blessed each of us in our own way. I ask that I may use my words to uplift Your children and to be wise by bridling the tongue when needed. I pray that You forgive me for when I have stumbled in what I say. I desire that my words be pleasing to You and that You deal with me in love and mercy when teaching me how to speak the truth in love according to Your word. I pray that others may be inspired by me through You and never put down or feel ashamed. I pray that my words never cut another or cause one to stumble in their walk. Lord please protect my speech and help me to remember that I represent You here on earth. I ask that I may build up the body and truly take in account every word. I ask that I be mindful of other’s emotions. If I correct someone I ask that it is done with patience, love, and understanding. I thank You for the many blessings that I have received, even though I deserved none. You are truly my God and there is none like You. May Your Name be forever echoed long after my body has returned to dust forevermore. I praise You Lord and stand in Your shadow. In Jesus’ name, Amen and Amen!