November 29, 2025 - James 3

“The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.  How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!  And the tongue is a fire” (3:5-6) and, so, it is able to do so much damage.  A good reminder always to watch what we say.  Words once spoken cannot be retracted.  And isn’t it so that harsh and ugly words are so often said from jealousy and selfishness, which James warns against:  “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.  But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.  And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (3:16-18).  True wisdom, godly wisdom, comes from God and is given to those who know him and his Word.  Let’s always keep watch over our tongues!

Gracious Spirit, dwell with me:

I myself would gracious be;

and with words that help and heal

would thy life in mine reveal;

and with actions bold and meek

would for Christ my Savior speak.   --Thomas T. Lynch (1855)