Tuesday, January 12: Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing

Read James 3:7-12

 

The New Testament letter of James challenges believers on several fronts. Where do trials come from? Are we saved by listening or by doing, by faith or by works? How should we treat the rich and the poor? Join with us as we read through this important, practical book.

Read James 3:7-12

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

 

Reflect

James points out the irony of a person's words that praise and honor God at one moment and at the next moment curse and demean a person God made in his image. Can you see how the latter can make the former hypocritical and dishonoring to God?

Respond

Ask God's forgiveness for your ill-spoken words that have hurt, offended, or misled others. Ask his help in thinking before you speak.

 

 

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