Biblical insights - part 3

Alright!  Here we go for chapter 3 in the beautiful book of James.

There are a few things that stood out to me in this chapter, starting in verse 7. . .

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. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:7-8)

Actually the day before I read this, someone had mentioned this verse while we were talking about the people that have bears as pets.  We were questioning how could someone train a bear to become your friend.  Andy said, "the Bible talks about how men train ALL creatures, but no one can tame the tongue.  So of course you can train a bear!" I never thought of it that way!

It's so wild, that our own tongue is referred to as an animal. . .and that no one can tame it.  You think a bear or lion is wild?  Think about how much worse the piece of fat in your mouth is! (sorry for the description : )  That is why we have to be so carful with what we say.  The Bible mentions multiple times, to watch what you say and do. . .because actions can actually speak louder than words.  You know, it's good to hold you tongue from saying something bad, but your actions could say the same thing even louder.  So I suppose your tongue and your actions go together hand in hand.  Beware what you talk about with your family and friends!

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. My brothers, this should not be. (vs. 9-10)

The next thing that is mentioned in this chapter is about wisdom again. . .

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. (vs. 13-15)

Do you think you are wise?  If you are, it should be shown by the way you live and the things you do in the humility that comes from wisdom.  Note that word humility.  Humility and wisdom go together.  It's not about being prideful about how wise you are.  You need to be humbled before God, about the blessing of wisdom that He has gifted you with. . .and can be difficult.  Because our sinful human nature is to boast about our wisdom!  But that is wrong.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. (vs. 17-18)

Amen, and praise the Lord!

He is wonderful and greatly to be praised

Olivia