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James – Sharp Tongues
There are many ways to “threaten” people. Church people (didn’t say “Christians”) are not immune. “If you don’t do this my way, I’m leaving” is probably the most common. That or, “I’ll stop giving my contribution….”
This line of thinking started when I noticed the Hebrew literal meaning for a couple of words translated “threaten” (Joshua 10:21): “literally, sharpen his tongue against.” It’s the only time used, but…
The meaning has carried over even into English – “sharp tongue”. It means, “the practice or characteristic of speaking to others in a harsh, critical, or insulting manner.” Anyone guilty of that? Anyone post with a “sharp tongue”?
• James 1:26 – If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.
• James 3:2 – For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
• James 3:6 – And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
• James 3:8 – But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
• James 3:10 – From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
Apparently not just “Church People”, but also Christians who are not acting like the name they wear.
There are many ways of sharpening our tongues instead of carrying the sharp sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17).
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