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Day 3 James 3 James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor lists. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 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: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? Either a vine, figs? So can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. 13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them who make peace. People can blow up the smallest matters into a major confrontation. Wars begin over a problem easily fixed. Why? People can’t keep their tongues from spewing thoughts that inflame people to riot and anger. James told the people their tongues were guilty of the biggest crimes. If they could hold their tongue and think before they said anything, problems could be avoided. As Christians, you know how hard it is to control the words that come out of your mouth. You are to be slow to speak. Listen first and you will avoid all kinds of trouble. James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man works not the righteousness of God. If everyone heeded James’ advice, the world would be a better place to live. We wouldn’t have wars, school shootings, problems with our employers, workmates, or divorce. However, people are quick to speak and anger ensues. David prayed a simple prayer. Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (KJV) Let that be your prayer today and keep your tongue from evil. Let’s pray: Father, help me think before I speak. Help me listen and hear. Let my words and meditation be acceptable to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 10 June 2019 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay