MAY 24

James 3:3-5
Memorise Proverbs 15:1
“a soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger”

Proverbs 15:1 says “a soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger”. It may seem obvious that to speak in a polite, gentle and meek manner is often more pleasing to others than to be abrasive and confrontational. However, to put this into practice is not always easy. A review of the changing state of political tension between Japan, Korea, China, Philippines and the U.S. demonstrates that even diplomats from various nations who are supposed to be skilled spokesmen and negotiators find this challenging at times. Going further back in history, the risk of an all-out nuclear war was a very real concern as cold war nations exchanged angry rhetorical words with each other, and as a result, people in Europe lived in constant fear of sudden nuclear annihilation.

James 3:3-5 tells us that the tongue’s ability to cause much trouble is disproportionate to its small size. This is likened to how a rider can control a large horse so easily with just a small bit in its mouth, or how a huge ship is steered at the helm by the pivoting of the small rudder. In the world’s present fragile political climate, a nuclear holocaust could very well occur because of this one little organ. The Bible refers to the tongue as the organ that symbolically represents control over speech. Of course we know that the manner and content of our speech originates from and is controlled by our thoughts. Much wisdom and self-control are needed in our speech if we are to stand out as examples of Christ-likeness (Matthew 5:13-16) in a world that God describes as being in darkness.

Practical methods such as counting to ten before we retaliate angrily with our tongue or just simply walking away before we engage the offending person again do help. Indeed, there are many ways to say the same thing more tactfully. However a deeper change in our attitude towards people whom we may find disagreeable can only be achieved by God’s grace and with His wisdom. We should therefore submit ourselves prayerfully to God and set aside our pride that we do not end up speaking grievous words that stir up anger even when provoked.

Thought: Since we have 2 ears but only 1 mouth we should remember to be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath.
Prayer: When emotions threaten to boil over, Lord may Your grace be sufficient to calm my soul and tame my tongue.