“We
renounce violence of the heart, tongue and fist, neither willing nor working
harm to any”
- I will reject violence of the tongue: I will not speak or write any curse, insult, abuse, slander, deception, falsehood, or gossip
 |
| (by Helga Weber via Flickr) |
The tongue is certainly a difficult
thing to manage well. We humans are curious. We like to tell ourselves that we
have things under control. How quickly and easily we say something in an effort
to be humorous or to put someone in their place, and then eventually wish we
could inhale those same words back in because of embarrassment or regret. The
notion of “control” evaporates, and we realize that our words have caused
injury that can’t be ignored.
In the Bible, James knew this quite well... “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing” (James 3:10). The things we say with our mouths reveal the kind of person we are. Cruel or nasty words can come quite easily. Kind words spoken in patience are not always on the tips of our tongues. But the habits of “good speech” can be formed. It might mean responding more slowly or even remaining quiet when a flippant response would be easy. So James writes in 3:13 urging us to “show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom.” Speaking good words that come from this gentleness is a skill that for most of us takes time to develop into a virtue that we do well. It does take a little bit of patience and wisdom to learn deeper patience and wisdom.
In the Bible, James knew this quite well... “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing” (James 3:10). The things we say with our mouths reveal the kind of person we are. Cruel or nasty words can come quite easily. Kind words spoken in patience are not always on the tips of our tongues. But the habits of “good speech” can be formed. It might mean responding more slowly or even remaining quiet when a flippant response would be easy. So James writes in 3:13 urging us to “show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom.” Speaking good words that come from this gentleness is a skill that for most of us takes time to develop into a virtue that we do well. It does take a little bit of patience and wisdom to learn deeper patience and wisdom.
-LeVon Smoker, Congregational Peace Advocate
Park View Mennonite Church, VA
For
Reflection and Action:
Take some time with James 3
- What stands out to you today in this passage?
- How would you characterize your words over the last few days?
- What is God calling you to regarding your speaking?
Prayer
Focus (Psalm 19:14)
May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
O Lord, my rock and my
redeemer.
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