This post is Day 15 in a series of studies about “James”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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James – Day 15

The world needs freshwater and salt water. They are not used for the same purposes, and we need them to come from different sources. In the same way our hearts should be so full of the Word of God and His thoughts, that we never use bad language or criticism.

James 3:10-12

Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?
My brothers, can a fig-tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

The Thought

In the last quotation here about the tongue, James gives us some clear pictures to help our understanding.

The world needs freshwater and salt water. They are not used for the same purposes, and we need them to come from different sources. In the same way our hearts should be so full of the Word of God and His thoughts, that we cannot say bad things, and we are never inclined to use bad language or criticism. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (Matthew 12:34)

The fig tree, the grapevine, the salt sea, and the fresh water spring are all designed by our Creator God to produce specific things, so it is with our tongues.

That same creator God gave us our tongues to speak out for Him; to bless others and not to curse them. To speak His wisdom and not the foolish things of the world, or words given to us by the enemy.

God designed our tongues to do what His does, to bless, to proclaim the truth, to bring good things into existence, to share the good news of Jesus. Let’s do that today.

Action

Pray for a disciplined tongue, one that does what it is meant to do.

Think of anyone you have criticised recently, say sorry to God and if possible to the person. But don’t expect that person to appreciate or understand your apology, it’s quite possible they won’t.

Pray for an opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus today.

Praise God for His Word that makes things clear to us. Praise Him for opportunities to say something encouraging today.