James Chapter 3 Part 2

©lightwritingmatters 2015

Theme Scripture: --James 4:17 “Therefore, if one knows how to do what is right and yet does not do it, it is a sin for him.”

Theme Scripture Chapter One: “The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.” – James 3:6

Previously, in the first part of Chapter 3:

“There is another aspect of not minding our tongue, especially where the teacher of GOD’S WORD is concerned. It is arrogance vs humility. This will be discussed in part 2 of this chapter in the next post.” 

http://lightwritingmatters.lightwritingmatters.net/2023/08/book-of-james-chapter-3-part-1.html

While we must consider each Christian’s responsibility for their own tongue and the  character flaw of thinking more of ourselves than we should, vis-a-vis, humility vs arrogance, we must first discuss the “things GOD hates” Proverbs 6:16-19.

“16  These six things the Lord hates, 

Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,

18 A heart that devises wicked plans,Feet that are swift in running to evil,

19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.”

Obviously, the tongue is involved in at least 3 of the 7 things. Lying tongue, False witness who speaks lies and of course one who sows discord among the brothers. 

As we are initially speaking of teachers in chapter 3 and to be sure teachers should not be habitually guilty of any of the character flaws above, but not only teachers. No Christian should willfully engage in any of the behaviors above. None. 

Then there is the 9th commandment: “16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” – Exodus 20:16 

 The original first set of rules and regs given to the newly freed huge nation of Israel was the 10 Commandments. The Commandments preceded the Levitical and Deuteronomical sets of laws but were nonetheless a comprehensive set of Do’s and Don’ts. Imagine, the tongue winds up in the 9th commandment ‘Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” Or the shortened version: “Thou Shalt not lie.’  And if you want the New Testament view of lying, there is final proclamation in the final chapter of the Bible.

“14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.” – Rev 22:14-15

The thing about arrogance, and the tongue’s natural delight engaging arrogance is the lies that roll off the tongue with rapidity in the form of self aggrandizement and embellishments. Pumped up with pride, the tongue supports this act of the flesh as easily as breathing. Notice the following assessment of certain actions and character/personality flaws.

Heavenly Versus Demonic Wisdom

“13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

See how effortlessly the tongue becomes a ready participant in the reprehensible behavior? It is in the same category as envy, self seeking, confusion, and evil things. Once again, I draw your attention to the Theme Scripture: --James 4:17 “Therefore, if one knows how to do what is right and yet does not do it, it is a sin for him.”

Bottom line, if you know talking stink about someone, making up stories, telling little white lies, bearing false witness or just fomenting lies, either outright or through embellishment of facts—and you do it it is a sin!

This is a particularly tough sin to rein in and rip from our being. We used to be taught that if you cannot say something nice do not say it at all. Nowadays, if you side step commitment in words because you do not want to say something without lying you are often accused of ‘shaming’ or other villainous intentions. Sometimes you have to be straight forward and speak unvarnished truth no matter the repercussions or negative ramifications. But, if it means saving lives then we do not lie by omission but tell the truth by commission! 

Our tongues serve multiple functions; most are important and good. But in speech, if it is not tamed we wind up outside with the dogs…when it comes to GOD’s Kingdom. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” – Colossians 4:6

Please return September  6, 2023 for Chapter 4 of James!

Questions? lightwritingmatters@gmail.com

©lightwritingmatters 2015

©lightwritingmatters 2015

NOTICE: If you are feeling inclined or feeling led to want Jesus as your Savior, your leader, your King, your source of Peace and Joy but are feeling woefully inadequate, uninformed on how best to get to know HIM, or find yourself at wit’s end because you believe yourself trapped and in need of GOD, please know Jesus stands ready to welcome you with HIS Holy Spirit. Believe these words: “16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. “—John 3:16

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.” – Acts 3:19-20

“Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” – John 3:3-8

If you need help, please feel free to leave a comment and I will respond.  †

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©lightwritingmatters 2015