Some teachings never go out of style. James' words of warning about the tongue are just as appropriate in 2014 as they were in the first century.
Who of us hasn't landed in hot water because of something we said? Who of us hasn't (at some point) wished we could take our words back?
James says of the tongue:
1) It is powerful. Don't let its size fool you. The tongue is disproportionately strong.
2) It is prone to evil. The tongue has a special knack for causing trouble.
3) It is wild. While we can tame many creatures, we cannot master our own tongue.
4) It is polluted. How can words of praise to God flow from a tongue that curses others?
Don't underestimate the spiritual impact of your speech.
As someone who teaches, I just love the opening verses of this chapter. Gives me that warm and fuzzy feeling.
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...and true wisdom makes one humble. Verse 9 is so true --how can we presume that God Honor's our praise, when we curse our fellow man.
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