Today, Tuesday November 24 - James 3 - If there is anything that has gotten me into trouble or has cause a problem in a relationship with someone, it is my tongue! How about you? Well, that's what James is dealing with in chapter 3. In chapter 1, we find the mark of a spiritually mature person is their attitude toward suffering. In chapter 2, it's their obedience to the Word of God. Now, in chapter 3, James tells us that our speech is another test of maturity. We read and hear many words every day and forget what a wonderful thing a word is! When God gave us the faculty of speech, He gave us a tool to build with; but it also can become a weapon of destruction. Psalm 139 tells us that God knows our thoughts afar off. He knows what we are going to think even before we do. But other people only know what our thoughts are when we release them verbally through our tongue. The Scripture also teaches "that from the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." James reminds us the the tongue has a great power and needs to be controlled. The Book of Proverbs, the Book of Wisdom, especially in building and maintaining good relationships with others, has many warnings about the use the of tongue. "Please Lord, help us to set a guard over our mouths today!" (Psalm 141:3) God bless! Have a great day!
