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THE TONGUE IS A WORLD OF INIQUITY
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18
James 3:6

Matthew 15:18

 

“…things which
proceed out of the mouth

…they defile the man.”

 

THE TONGUE IS A WORLD OF INIQUITY
 
The Apostle James declares that “the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity” (James 3:6). Thus, our tongue, being part of us, can pollute our whole body. It can even set on fire several generations and put them in the fire of hell. What a horrible description of the tongue! “And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man” (Matt 15:16-18).
 
It defiles the body: James then explains the evils which can proceed when the tongue is not restrained, thus teaching us that the tongue can do much good or much evil. James described the tongue as “a world of inquity” because the contamination of the tongue can spread to every aspect of a man’s life. He explains that the tongue is full of sin and pollution. There is a great pollution and defilement in the sins of the tongue. The tongue can cause defiled passions to be kindled, vented, and cherished. And this in turn affects the person’s mind, heart, and soul. The whole body is drawn into sin and guilt by the small tongue.
 
It destroys nature: James explains that the tongue “setteth on fire the course of nature.” It is like a fire that destroys many great things. James recalls his representation of the tongue as a little fire. This thought brings us close to the truth that despite the smallness of the tongue, its destructive power can lead to harm far and wide to our brethren and to the name of our God. The affairs of humanity are often thrown into confusion, all because of the flame of the tongues of men. All our generations can be set on fire by a false claim or accusation by the tongue. No age of the world, nor any condition of life, private or public, can escape the violence of the tongue.
 
THOUGHT: Is my tongue “a world of iniquity”?
PRAYER: Father, may Thou be gracious and merciful to help me to control my tongue so that I may not defile my body and destroy others.

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