Morning Moments

JAMES Devotional Outline

Chapter 3

III. WHOLESOME WORDS 3:1-18
A. Guarded Words 3:1-2
B. Guided Words 3:3-4

3:3. Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

Not only should our words be guarded but they should also be "fitly spoken" or guided words. For years I had a radio ministry called Straight to the Heart which was design to present brief tidbits of truth that would shoot as an arrow straight to the heart. I must say I do not always do it but we should think before we speak and speak that which is edifying and that ministers grace to the hearers.

Guided words do not snap and snarl. They are not cruel but kind. That is not to say that they are not firm at times, but their firmness has to motivation of fitness and not foolishness. We have the obligation, the duty to reprove, rebuke, and exhort, but all are to be done in a manner that is consistent with the Word of God and in a spirit of long-suffering.

No on is saying that we must be stiff and stuffy, but we are to maintain dignity and speak respectfully. You can certainly get your point across without abusive, degrading, and destructive words. It may require some thought! So we must think before we speak to be sure that our words are guarded and guided and are spoken with purpose and purity to the glory of God.

Let me say one more thing about guided words. We seem to live in a day when "cutting" one another down is a fun thing to do. We don't mean harm, but we never know what is going on in another's heart and head.

My dad use to tell the story about an elderly couple who was sitting on the front porch rocking when he turned to her and said, "I'm proud of you." Being a little hard of hearing, she didn't respond so he said it again a little louder. She responded, "Yes, and I'm tired of you too."
What we say is sometimes misunderstood and sometimes just not heard, but whatever we say should be both guarded and guided. God help me to practice what I preach.

BLESSINGS!