My Tuesday Night Ladies Bible Study is currently studying the book of James, one of my favorites (via Zoom). Last night we focused on chapter 3.

The first half of the chapter speaks to the power that our words have. Verse 10 says, “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. (NIV)

Brothers & sisters, it only takes a second to utter words that cut deeply into someone’s heart and leave a scar that may never heal. In that same second, you could have said something that was encouraging & changed the whole direction of what may have been a very bad day. I am talking about HONEST encouragement not false platitudes that aren’t fooling anyone. Even when you have to deliver bad news or speak hard truth; there is a right & wrong way to have those conversations.

Think of Jesus’ example with the woman caught in adultery. What did He do instead of particpating in the stoning?

“… he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” … At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

“No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:7-11 (NIV)

The remainder of the chapter talks about the two types of wisdom. The wisdom that is given to us by the Holy Spirit is evident by the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) in our lives.

“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, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” James 3:14-16 (NIV)

As we were closing in prayer, one of the ladies said, “Our number one weapon is prayer not words. Think about that for a minute. A preacher can write a factual sermon and people can talk about the Bible for hours on end. But if those words are not covered in prayer they are useless.

If you truly want to tame your tongue & have godly wisdom, you MUST abide in Him throughout each & every day. “Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:18 (NIV)