Bible Reading: Numbers 20; Psalms 58-59; Isaiah 9:7-10:4; James 3
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. (James 3:2)
As frail humans we sin. This is what James means when he says we offend. He is going to tell us what the most uncontrollable part of our bodies is. You might be surprised, but it is the tongue. James makes a very bold claim here by saying that if a man were to live and not sin with his tongue; he would also be able to control the whole body. The Bible gives us two things to compare to: horses and ships. You put a bit in a horse's mouth and control the whole animal. You turn the helm and a big ship moves with ease in the water. Control the tongue, control the life!
We underestimate the power of the tongue.
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. (James 3:5-6)
A spark can burn down a million acres of forest. Our tongues defile our whole body. There is more sin in your tongue than any other part of your body. It is set on fire by hell itself. Think of all the evil that come from our tongues: blasphemy, dishonor and cursing, lying, gossip, bearing false witness and boasting. All grievous sins that our tongue is capable of!
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 3:9-10)
We use our tongue to sing praise to God and then within a few minutes we use our tongue to curse a person. How can blessing and cursing come from the same source? James tells us these things ought not to be.
How do you bridle the tongue? Jesus will tell us:
And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. (Mark 7:20-23)
We speak out of what is in our hearts. So let the Holy Ghost fill you up and change your heart. Let the Word of God dwell in your richly and be transformed by God's Spirit!
In Christ,
Rody
