The Book of James: Faith That Works – Week 4
January 29, 2023
James 3
What you say and what you don’t say are both important. Proper speech is not only saying the right words at the right time but, controlling your desire to say what you shouldn’t. Examples of wrongly using the tongue include gossiping, putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teaching, exaggerating, complaining, flattering and lying. Before you speak, ask, “Is it true, is it necessary, and is it kind?
Our contradictory speech often puzzles us. At times it is right and pleasing to God, but at other times it is violent and destructive. Which of these reflects our true identity? The tongue gives us a picture of our basic human nature. We are good-made in God’s image, but we are also bad—fallen and sinful. God works to change us from the inside out. As the Holy Spirit purifies our hearts, he also gives us self-control so that we will speak words that please God.
