James 3
Dear RTB’ers,
The tongue. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. (v. 10a) Years ago I was working with my dad, a concrete contractor. I recall my dad calling out a truck driver who was delivering a load of concrete to us and who was speaking a mouthful of profanity. My dad asked him, “Are you going to eat with the same mouth that you are talking with?” From the same mouth — profanity out, food in??!! Dad then went on to explain to the man hat he meant and the man took it to heart. He apologized and was forever changed from that moment on whenever he showed up at our job site.
Some time ago I remember thinking that once those misguided words escape the protective barrier of my mouth, it may take thousands and thousands of words to get them back. Indeed, How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! (v. 5b)
Blessings.
Fred