“For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to also bridle his whole body.” (ESV – Read the chapter)
There’s an old playground saying that’s used as a defense against being called a mean name. You’ve probably said it before: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” It’s a smart retort in the face of an ugly word, but it is entirely false. Read the rest…
“Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.” (ESV)
Growing up in the Midwest, I was used to thunderstorms. We regularly had thunderstorms of all kinds. There were gentle storms when the thunder rumbled low and long. There were storms with occasional big booms mixed with longer rumbles. And then there were the big ones when the lightning seemed to be hitting close and the thunder blasts rattled the windows. The next morning things always smelled like rain. It was one of my favorite things. Read the rest…
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (ESV – Read the chapter)
Paul’s focus here is on our words which is pretty important. Most of us have a tough time staying out of trouble there. James makes a convincing case for this in his letter (read it here). We are able in most cases to whip up a mean batch of foot stew at a moment’s notice. Read the rest…
“Even in your thoughts, do not curse the king, nor in your bedroom curse the rich, for a bird of the air will carry your voice, or some winged creature tell the matter.” (ESV – Read the chapter)
Ever wonder where the phrase “a little bird told me” came from?
All day long we see people and have thoughts about them. We can’t help it. They come to us almost before we even realize what is happening. These snap judgments may be kind and charitable, but they also may not be. In fact, for most of us, they’re not more often than they are. Read the rest…
“Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.” (ESV – Read the chapter)
Recognizing their absence of faithful works, many people think that faithful words will suffice. And for a while this seems to be the case. People hear our words and ascribe us honor because of them. We boast of great things we would do for God. This eventually becomes boasting of great things we are doing for God and boasts of great acts of faithfulness. We promise the moon…but wind up delivering only a reflection. In the end, we have only handfuls of empty promises that leave God disappointed with us and people disillusioned by us. It is better to let our actions do the talking.
The Nexus 