James 3:6 New International Version (NIV)
6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
Fiery words can defile a man in a matter of moments. Friendship, a family member, a brother in Christ can be broken as fast as a match ignites, and this is all by the words we say.
James dedicates 12 verses to the matter of what we say. He calls the tongue a small rudder, a spark, and deadly poison. Basically, James is saying that the tongue can get out of control quicker than you can retract what you just said.
I basically comes down to this. Do you speak life or do you speak death? I find it interesting as I have been doing this series in the Book of James of how challenged I have become on what is written to going on the radio (KBOE 104.9) and teaching.
As I read chapter 3:1, it says, “You who teach in the church will be judged more strictly.” That verse hits me between the eyes every time. Do I live and speak by how I teach? Then I go to the Lord, “Lord have mercy on my soul.” This is a tough place to live.
It is important as men to watch the words we say. We can cut a person with our words as fast as a sharp knife, and we can do that especially to those who are closest to us. I want to always ask the Holy Spirit to guide my words and to be careful in what I say. Is that you today? Did the words you spoke cut someone? The Bible says that the only thing that can wash the defilement away is the blood of Jesus Christ. Ask him today to wash away the words that defile and to help you edify and speak life.
Strength and Courage
Michael
