JAMES 3:2-10 – “For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being 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 people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”

THEME OF THE DAY: DON’T SERVE UP BAD TONGUE.  In today’s scripture, James warns us of the dangers in the use of our tongues.  He vividly describes the tongue as a fire that destroys.  We know this well.  Much relational damage exists because of a hurtful word or a spewing out of sentences in an emotionally charged conversation that leaves destruction in its wake.  The damage might be so severe relationships will never be the same.

Yet James also tells us the tongue may be a great blessing. We know this experience as well.  A good word of encouragement, a nice note of appreciation, and the encouraging words, “I love you” have been refreshing winds to a tired and parched heart.

So, what about application? Allow the following story to illustrate both the bad and good application of our tongues.

There was an ancient philosopher named Xanthus, who was expecting some friends to dine with him. He ordered his servant Aesop to provide the best things the market could supply. Tongue was the choice and the cook prepared and served it with different sauces. Course after course was supplied, each consisting of tongue. “Did I not order you,” said Xanthus in a violent passion, “to buy the best victuals the market afforded?” “And have I not obeyed your orders?” said Aesop. “Is there anything better than a tongue? Is not the tongue the bond of civil society, the organ of truth and reason, and the instrument of our praise and adoration of the gods?” Xanthus ordered him to go again to the market on the morrow and buy the worst things he could find. Aesop went, and again he purchased tongues, which the cook served as before. “What! tongues again?” exclaimed Xanthus. “Most certainly,” rejoined Aesop, “the tongue is surely the worst thing in the world. It is the instrument of all strife and contention, the inventor of lawsuits, and the source of division and wars: it is the organ of error, of lies, calumny and blasphemies.”

May our tongues serve the good portion it might be to all who are recipients of our words.

PRAYER: Father, please put a guard on my heart as it directs my tongue to speak.

REFLECTION: Our speech will be the first revelation of the quality of our spiritual lives to those who hear us.