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
C. Godless Words 3:5-12

1. Unacceptable 3:5-6

a. Are Deceptive - "boasts" - which centers around pride.

These are words that always point to what "I" have done, or in some way bring credit or glory to "self". They may even be "good works" but done with the wrong motive. Preachers are notorious for wanting to "report" to one another the "decisions" and "baptisms" they had in last weeks revivals or Sunday's services. Sometimes it is honestly to glorify God, but the truth is that many times it is to impress the brethren with their work. One may impress the world and not God.

b. Are Disruptive - "kindleth" - which constantly stirs up matters.

These are words that light a fire. They are as the little splinters we use in the winter to start a fire in the fireplace. Soon they burn large logs. The old chorus, "It only takes a spark to get a fire going it true" of these words as well as a Christian witness. So often, the very one who starts the fire slithers away after the fire gets going.

c. Are Defiling - "defileth" - which makes everything corrupt and unclean.

These are the words that soil and stain as a spill on a garment. The use of such words takes a good thing and stains it or makes it evil. These words corrupt and contaminate and spoil. They are distasteful and unnecessary and should be completely avoided.

d. Are Destructive - "fire of hell" - comes from the devil himself.

The problem with those who are so careless with their speech is that they pride themselves in saying what they think. That is pathetic and very dangerous. It is not God who prompts one to say whatever might be on his/her mind, but the devil. God says, "Be slow to speak."
It only takes a few words from one whose tongue is loose to ruin a reputation, destroy a testimony, or wreck a marriage. So we are told to be swift to hear (we have two ears), slow to speak (we have one mouth), and slow to wrath (we have one brain and we are to use it).

BLESSINGS!