What One Says (Nov 16)

We all stumble in many ways.  If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
                                      James 3:2 NIV

We live in a world with much darkness and we do stumble.  Our speech is one of the many ways that we can stumble.  The tongue that gives praise also can give discouragement.  We can sin in many ways with our tongue.

One sin of speech stems from comments that may be positive.  These comments could be words that boast of ourselves, or flatter others.  Such words can cause disunity and lead others to stumble.  God certainly hates flattery, for flattery can deceive the minds of the naive and does not serve the Lord, but rather serves one's own appetite.  See Romans 16:18.

Another sin of speech is grumbling, for grumbling leads to discouragement, divisions and may lead to the loss of perseverance in the race set out for us.

In addition, we can stumble by breaking God's law and taking his name in vain.


What kinds of damage can be done with words?

What efforts do you make to avoid damage with your words?

Pray for your tongue to provide encouragement and loving guidance to others.

In Christ,


David P