Day 346

December 12th
James 1:1-3:18.  “Speak Wisely”
         In just these three chapters James has written volumes of material to consider pertinent to this week’s theme—the power of the spoken word.  Yet he has also addressed the quandaries lying therein.  He has informed us that “those who control their tongue can also control themselves in every other way,” but then, “no one can tame the tongue” (3:2,8).  He also tells us that Abraham’s faith was not the only thing that saved him, it was also by what he did (2:24).  He adds, “Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all—it is dead and useless” (2:17).  He also says it is more important that we are “quick to listen and slow to speak” (1:19).  By nature, we are more apt to do the opposite.  And then he even starts off the letter telling us about all the good things trials bring into our life but that God doesn’t tempt anyone (1:2-18).  Temptations seek to create a fall, whereas trials seek to create an avenue for growth.
         Perhaps the bottom line is this; if we are going to speak out let’s make sure we know what we’re talking about.