James 3:4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. (NIV)
James emphasizes our inclination to sin in our speaking. Our tongue is like the rudder on a ship. Even though it is a very small part of the ship, but it determines exactly where the ship will go. Likewise we determine the course of our lives by the way we use our tongues. (James 3:4)
Derek Prince wrote that we have two potential problems indicated by the mouth :
First, the old, corrupt nature which has not been changed goes on producing corrupt fruit; and second, some kind of spirit, which is not the Holy Spirit, brings forth impure, brackish water.
So the problem of the tongue takes back inevitably to the problem of the heart.
We are confronted by the truth that Solomon spoke in Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
The mouth is taken as the principal channel by which the issues of life flow out for good or evil. It is a well. If it be full, it flows over; and if the overflow be sweet water, the border will be fresh and green. [Proverbs 10:11, 14][Proverbs 15:4][Proverbs 18:21]
T Is it TRUE?
H Is it HELPFUL?
I Is it INSPIRING?
N Is it NECESSARY?
K Is it KIND?
If what I am about to say does not pass those test, I will keep my mouth shut! - Alan Redpath
A provoked spirit causes us to speak unadvisedly with our lips and these hasty words cost us many privileges and blessing.
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