James 3 DEVO: Bite Your Tongue!

Chapter 3:
When I started student ministry in Katy in 1990, Chris Tomlin & Ross King used to help lead student worship at FBC Katy on Wednesday nights. They had an album out called “Too Much Free Time” which was hilarious! One of the songs on it was “Foot in my Mouth.” I always think of this song when I read James chapter 3 because I’ve been there, and as much as I don’t want to go there again, I will. It’s true: “All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue.”
Although James sets this in the context of teaching, the principles are true everywhere. That little ½ pound in our mouth can both give great encouragement & praise, as well as tear down & destroy. What is the biggest issue here? When we don’t watch what we say, we use what the Lord gave us (our mouth) for evil. “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.”
It takes wisdom to do this, so that is how James concludes the chapter. A good life shown in deeds with humility will keep us from bitter envy & selfish ambition. “Wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” Wow - This ought to keep us busy ‘til at least lunch time. ☺
SO WHAT?!
*Ever heard “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all?” It’s Biblical: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up…” (Ephesians 4:29). Who have you spoken unwholesome talk to this week? Will you go to them today and ask forgiveness? You can’t take back words, but asking forgiveness helps heal wound.
*How are you showing the wisdom of God in your life? Do you desire to live pure? Are you a peacemaker? When someone is hurting, how can you be considerate towards them? Are you being impartial (see yesterday’s devo)? And is your life sincere, not fake - doing what you say