Thursday: Blessing and Cursing
Read James 3:9-12. What truth does James illustrate using the fountain, the fig tree, and the grapevine?
Acidic water flowing into a clear water stream at Yellowstone NP, USA
The idea of both blessing and cursing coming out of the mouth of a Christian is disturbing, to say the least. What about watching profanity-laced television programs or movies during the week and attending church on Sabbath to hear the Word of God? What about someone who speaks the truth and wonderful words about Jesus, only to later be heard telling an off-color joke? These images should be spiritually disturbing because they are contrary to what we know to be right. The same mouth that praises God later tells a dirty joke? What’s wrong with this contrast?
James uses the image of a spring. Water quality depends on its source, and the root determines the fruit (compare Matt. 7:16-18). Similarly, if God’s Word is implanted in us, its working will be evident in our life. Understanding this truth frees us from the burden to prove
our faith. Pure religion is rooted in faith, which is self-authenticating, just as a pure water spring needs no proof other than the water that flows naturally from it.
At the same time, though, one could ask, If we were to take a
snapshot
of certain devoted followers of God at low points in their experience (Moses murdering the Egyptian, David with Bathsheba, and so on), might we not legitimately question their profession?
God’s will, of course, is that we do not sin (1 John 2:1). However, since the Fall of Adam and Eve, God has made provision for our forgiveness if we do sin, based on faith in the promised Sacrifice (compare Ps. 32:1-2). Nevertheless, the fact remains that sin brings sadness while obedience brings blessing. Moses spent 40 years tending sheep to unlearn the training that led him to kill, and David suffered the death of the child Bathsheba bore, as well as a divided household that threatened his kingdom to the end of his life. Sure, we can be forgiven our sins after we do them; the problem, however, is that so often the consequences of those sins can remain, often with devastating results not just for ourselves but for others, too. How much better to be on our knees asking for the power of victory than having to ask for forgiveness afterward and then plead for the damage to be brought under control.
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James’ point is that loose talk and self-control are interconnected. Once a word is spoken, we can’t take it back. While we may not attack someone with our fists, our words can still cause major damage even from far away. Our tongue can speak blessing and cursing, life and death. Jesus tells us our mouth speaks about what ultimately fills our heart (Luke 6:45). An evil heart speaks evil, a redeemed heart speaks goodness. The problem with our tongue, then, is really a problem with our heart.
Is too much being made of the double fruit of speech? Are there appropriate occasions for off-colored or suggestive or loose jokes, such as at 'Christian' wedding receptions, or a social event after Sabbath (Saturday evening), or on the phone with a close longtime friend?
Perhaps the Holy Spirit will reveal to us what is off-limits as we become more regenerated. Not everyone may be equally impressed at the same time, but we may all pray for wisdom, and be receptive to same (James 1:5; Proverbs 2:6).
Some counsel:
"Listen to the vain, frivolous conversation; hear the laugh, the jesting, the joking. Is this imitating the Pattern? Still listen—is Jesus mentioned? Is the truth the theme of conversation? Are the speakers glorying in the cross of Christ?" — Testimonies for the Church 1:505.
"This spirit of jesting and joking, of lightness and trifling, is a stumbling block to sinners and a worse stumbling block to those who give way to the inclination of the unsanctified heart." — Evangelism, 641.
"How many words are spoken in lightness and foolishness, in jesting and joking! This would not be so did the followers of Christ realize the truth of the words, “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” — The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 4:1141
Ae, thats right! Jesus also says, "Its not what we put into our mouths, but what comes out of it!"
I like the illustration I saw on 3ABN - words are like toothpaste squeezed out of a tube, once they are out it is practically impossible to get them back into the tube.
I also heard someone say "those are toothpaste words" warning against unkind, unholy words.
This has been a very good lesson for today. Better pray for victory than be praying for forgiveness and damage control.
May God see us through this journey of faith where we are constantly fighting with Him as our commander.
In reference to a clean sense of humor and "foolish talking or jesting;" I once witnessed a stern deacon rebuke a retired pastor for his jovial behaviour in the foyer of a church. The retired pastor said to the deacon, "God has a sense of humor and I can prove it to you, look at me, He created me." I feel that the retired pastor was cheerful and pleasant and represented a true Christianity with his clean humor better than the stern mean spirited deacon with no sense of humor and even rebuking the pastor for his clean humor.
I love these lesson. Thank God for these inspiring words. I spoke to my husband who is not a Christian about this morning lesson and i thank God for his intervention into this. His reply was this is so true, you cant be doing/saying things thats not spiritual one minute and the next praising God. You cant serve two masters . We need to be praying for God wisdom n to tame our tongue/ eyes!
The whole concept of the tongue will remain a mystery yet to be understood by mankind. The point is we don't estimate the damage we cause to ourselves and our brethren using our words yet the very tongue can form an avenue for self and society construction. As James teaches, lets live a one way pointed life- lets choose the Christ way.
Don't you think that at times our actions speaks just as loud,or louder than our words? We allow ourselves to say: "I never said a word" what brought Peter to repentance is when the cock crew twice, He looked into the face of Jesus and saw this wonderful look of love. This sent him back to the same spot where Jesus told him to watch and pray....
lf we spend more time in watching and praying, our words can be like apples of gold in a silver platter. Our actions/words will make a difference
Remember me oh dear Father; Cleanse me from within so that what comes out will not tear but build.
There seems to be a lot of EGW quoting here and a lot of Bible quoting to support her quotes. But I have also noticed that what the Bible says about, "a merry heart doing good like a medicine," has not even been mentioned here.
Pete, the lesson isn't really about being "merry" or always solemn, it is about being consistent in our profession and our words/actions. If we are disciples of Jesus, then He will be our pattern in all things at all times.
The word for "merry" means: joyful, glad, rejoicing. This has nothing to do with being frivolous or jesting. Even when persecuted, one can sing praises to God. (Acts 16:25)
I think the point Pete might have been trying to make is that there is nothing wrong with laughter. Indeed, some of the comments on today's lesson appear to imply that Jesus never laughed so we shouldn't either. If so, that is just silly. Laughter is good for us and God will even fill our mouths with it (Psalm 126:2, Job 8:21). Yes, there will be laughter in heaven (Luke 6:21; Ecclesiastes 3:4).
Like Pete's example above, I remember over 30 years ago, I was attending a German church near Los Angeles and at potlucks, there was this very godly man who had me in stitches laughing. I distinctly remember thinking that God in heaven was laughing with us.
I don't believe laughter has to come at others' expense or from inappropriate jokes. There are some things that my grandchildren say and do that is so funny that I believe God is laughing harder than I am.
Every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17). I believe laughter is one of those gifts.
I agree Sieg, but the lesson is not addressing proper laughter, but inconsistent displays seen in those who profess to serve God while displaying cursing or inappropriate jesting, and the EGW quotes/scriptures cited were on such things. None of these quotes condemns what is appropriate and blessed by God's word. Seeking to suppress all innocent laughter would be like condemning a sneeze. Both come naturally and are not evil in themselves, though laughter can easily become very inappropriate. Too often we see the comedy of the world enter into the solemn worship hour.
Consistent blessings flowing out from our mouths. Consistent Christians comes from consistent relationship with Christ.
Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. Proverbs 8:34
This is pretty well.just as yu cant claim to have showered while putting on dirty cloaks, and so are our words. If we are christians we ought to say wat he are, walk wat we speak and do wat we advise. May God see you through brethren s
Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love, promote health and prolong life. A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul. “A merry [rejoicing] heart doeth good like a medicine.” Proverbs 17:22
I like that word for merry, rejoicing. I do believe this passage from the Book 'Counsels on Health page 344. Talking about mind cure says lots. There are other texts that speak about rejoicing other than Proverbs.
Read now Philipians 4:4-9 And you will see what kind of Merry(rejoicing) King Soloman was talking about. And yes, a rejoicing heart is good medicine for the heart(mind cure) Exercise and a good diet is mind cure(good medicine also).
Philippians 4:4-9Amplified Bible (AMP)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!
5 Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon].
6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, thattranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
9 Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you.