Join us as we read the scriptures and a daily devotion written by Don Crisp. We pray these messages will bless us all at this time.
Tues 23rd June – James 3:5-8
Categories: Don’s Daily Devotions
Tues 23rd June – James 3:5-8
V5: Applying James 3:3-4, James says the tongue is such a small thing compared with our whole body, yet it can do such harm! First, he specifies misuse of the tongue to boast and assert ourselves (Of course, the tongue is not “independent”, sins of speech come from within us – compare Jesus’ words in Matthew 15:18-19.) And to illustrate the damage such a “small thing” can do, he uses the image of a forest fire, which just a small spark may set raging.
V6: So, the tongue is a fire – so much sin comes from the misuse of our tongues – what we say, how and why we say it can be like setting our whole lives on fire, and behind such sin is always ” Hell” – i.e. the Devil himself, the tempter, leading us in to sin in this way.
V7-8: Man can tame every sort of creature – to domesticate them or control them in some way – but no-one can perfectly control their tongue. Who can say they have not used their tongue to hurt others, or to lie, or use regrettable language , or to boast, or gossip or talk behind someone’s back, or in so many other ways! The tongue is restless, poisonous, he says. Surely, these verses are challenging and humbling for us all!