Episode 47: James 3

Today's meditation is based on James 3 from the Passion Translation

We all fail in many areas, but I especially fail with my words. Yet I know that if I'm able to bridle the words I say, I am powerful enough to control myself in every way. That means my character is mature and fully developed. Horses have bits and bridles in their mouths so that we can control and guide their large bodies.  And the same with mighty ships, though they are massive and driven by fierce winds, yet they are steered by a tiny rudder at the direction of the person at the helm.

The same is true of my tongue. Even though it is a small part of the body, it carries great power, much as a small flame can set a huge forest ablaze. My tongue is a fire. It can be compared to the sum total of wickedness and is the most dangerous part of my body. It can corrupt my entire body. It's a hellish flame and releases a fire that can burn throughout the course of human existence.

Every wild animal on earth including birds, creeping reptiles, and creatures of the sea and land have all been overpowered and tamed by humans, yet, I can't tame my tongue. It’s a fickle, unrestrained evil that spews out words full of toxic poison. I use my tongue to praise God the Father and then turn around and curse a person who was made in his very image. Out of the same mouth I pour out words of praise one minute and curses the next. This should never be!

I wouldn't look for olives hanging on a fig tree or go to pick figs from a grapevine. And I know that fresh and bitter water can't flow out of the same spring. A bitter spring can't produce fresh water.

If I am truly wise and understand the ways of God, I will advertise it with a beautiful, fruitful life guided by wisdom’s gentleness. I never brag or boast about what I’ve done and by being humble and giving God the glory, I prove that I'm truly wise. If ever there is bitter jealousy or competition hiding in my heart, I don’t deny it and try to compensate for it by boasting and being phony. For that has nothing to do with God’s heavenly wisdom. Instead, it can best be described as the wisdom of this world, both selfish and devilish. Wherever jealousy and selfishness are uncovered, I know that I will also find many troubles and every kind of meanness. So I guard against these.

The wisdom from above is always pure, filled with peace, considerate and teachable. It is filled with love and never displays prejudice or hypocrisy in any form and it always bears the beautiful harvest of righteousness! I will plant good seeds of wisdom’s fruit with peaceful acts because I cherish making peace.

Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.

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