Wherever you see it hung out in Scripture, it is like an ancient sign-board, signifying that there are rich wares within, or like the . David and his men were hiding from Saul in a cave when Saul entered (1Sam. (James 1:17+). The wisdom controlling the tongue (James 3:1318) MacArthur -James has already made clear that disorder does not characterize Gods people but rather the double-minded man, unstable [akatastatos] (James 1:8) and the unredeemed tongue, which is a restless [akatastatos] evil and full of deadly poison (James 3:8). Christian: His name is Talkative; he dwells in our town. If you don't believe this watch some of the current news shows (which really are no longer truly news), the popular fare on television or the box office hits. No innocence is strong enough to intimidate me, no purity pure enough to daunt me. (Mt 12:33), What is James' point? Praus, is also used in the Septuagint rending of Numbers 12:3 "Now the man Moses was very humble (praus), more than any man who was on the face of the earth." These behaviors come from a heart that is unlike God's heart. If we have not walked out of the house "filled with the Spirit," then clearly our "vessel" is vulnerable and if"bumped" by adverse words or deeds, is far more likely to "spill" bitter water, so to speak. The Old Testament tells the story of another case of peer pressure. 1:21+; Jas. NKJ James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. James uses sophia 4x - Jas. Of what the world holds in death's embrace; GWN James 3:10 Praise and curses come from the same mouth. We are wise because we have Him who is wise, and only in that sense can we answer James affirmatively. (Exploring James), Guzik -James points to the ultimate impossibility of such a contradiction. Our tongue has that same awful potential. We dare not be careless with what we say, thinking we can apologize later, because even if we do, the scars remain. Gentle(1933)(epieikesfromep= upon - intensifies meaning+eiks= fair, equitable) is a Greek word that is difficult to translate. All rights reserved), Lord, set a guard upon my lips, "SUPPOSING HIM TO BE THE GARDENER.". Wiersbe -As it spreads, fire destroys; and the words we speak have the power to destroy. - Eph 6:17+). Jas. Such will stand forever and ever. Matthew 12:36. "A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; His mouth shall not transgress in judgment" (Proverbs 16:10). Francois Rochefoucauld, The wisest mind has something yet to learn. YLT James 3:10 out of the same mouth doth come forth blessing and cursing; it doth not need, my brethren, these things so to happen; NAB James 3:10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. He could read by the age of 2 and was composing original works in French by age 4. (2)INSINUATING EVILS - You don't really know if this juicy little morsel is true or not, but it sure makes an exciting conversation. Satan is smart and shrewd (Ge 3:1+). Thomas Brooks, A word spoken is physically transient but morally permanent. If a man claims he is wise and acts in this manner described by James, he is surely not living up to his profession of faith, nor is he wise. Hiebert -Behind this "wisdom," marked by jealousy, crafty party factions, and egotistical boasting, James detects the work of the demons in seeking to corrupt the harmony and very life of the Body of Christ. Inspired by the Spirit, James is showing with strong words how much damage can be caused by an unbridled tongue, a "rudderless" tongue whipped around by strong winds of our fallen flesh. Wisdom is peaceable but that does not mean peace at any price. Whole Bible Commentaries 1. If one-half that we say 141:3). All rights reserved), The wisdom from above flies in the face Thinking It Over What we say indicates who we are, whether we are still in Adam (unregenerate) or in Christ (regenerate) You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? May I speak only words that please You and bring health and healing to others. GWN James 3:11 Do clean and polluted water flow out of the same spring? The Englishman was a new believer and was excited about his faith. wisdom Exalt her, and she will promote thee " (Proverbs 4:5-9). Over the long haul, what we say gives others a pretty good idea of who and what we really are. Indeedshe thought would gain wisdom, which she did, but it was earthly, natural and demonic and ultimately deadly!. James 3:10. He must read the day's record through; A few words spoken in anger can destroy a relationship that took years to build. He wrote, It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (3:8). In Scripture, the wise (from the Greek word sophia) were often teachers. NLT Study Bible - Such brackish springs could not support a town. It was such a valuable military weapon that the formula was kept an absolute secretand was lost to the ravages of history. They have venom like the venom of a serpent; Like a deaf cobra that stops up its ear." It has an attitude of humility (v. 13). William S. Plumer, Wisdom is the knowledge which sees into the heart of things, which knows them as they really are. This was a theatrical term used of one who never played a part for personal gain. But James said, No man can tame the tongue. 15:23; Jdg. See "Tongue Control"), Barton -No person can tame the tongue, but Christ can. "He that uttereth truth showeth forth righteousness" (Proverbs 12:17). NJB James 3:12 Can a fig tree yield olives, my brothers, or a vine yield figs? By:Randy Kilgore(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. The wisdom which displays itself in bitterness (and alas, brethren, in the history of the church of Christ, how often has fancied wisdom displayed itself in bitterness! According to this division, the soul comprehends only those energies and capacities of mind and heart which have to do with the world known by our bodily senses,mans mental and emotional nature in so far merely as he is the highest of the animalsan animal able to buy and sell, as the beaver can build a hut and a dam; the spirit is that highest power of a rational being by which it can apprehend the idea of God, and hold communion with Him,by which through faith it can live under the influences of an unseen world. To honor You today. John Ere one's eyes he could close Scientists have determined that faulty rivets may have caused the rapid sinking of the unsinkable HMSTitanic. These things ought not to be so (James 3:10). Prautesis a quality of gentle friendliness -strength under control (specifically the Holy Spirit's supernatural control), meekness (as strength that accommodates to another's weakness), restrained patience, patient trust in the midst of difficult circumstances. He is the very stain, reproach, and shame of religion, to all that know him; it can hardly have a good word in all that end of the town where he dwells, through him. Society does the inventing and reinventing of words. THOUGHT - Given that wisdom is from the heart and mind of our Heavenly Father, and is good and is perfect, we would all do well to frequent plead with God modeling our prayer on James 1:5+ "if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask (aiteoin thepresent tense- continually, as our habitual practice!) We must let the wisdom of God check our thoughts before they leave our tongues. The character of this wisdom (James 3:15) In that Ephesians passage Paul is addressing believers who can at least take up the shield of faith to extinguish the demonic arrows. What kind are you sowing? Men read what you write, whether faithless or true And ere my Lord can reign in me, (Ibid). Commentary on Romans 12:3-8. C. S. Lewis, Surely the essence of wisdom is that before we begin to act at all, or attempt to please God, we should discover what it is that God has to say about the matter. As we draw on Gods wisdom through His Word, we can smother the sparks of dissension and instead speak words of peace. Reprinted by permission. James used other vivid analogies to illustrate the enormous power of this little member of the body. All the saints make up one body in Christ, who is the Head of the body, and the common Centre of their unity. You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue. Notice that many of these passage describe gentleness as the virtue that should be exhibited by believers to other people and are thus good illustrations of "living wisely.". Deep in the jungles of India, a serious threat looms over the native missionaries and their people as they lay asleep in their thatched huts. "A liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue" (Proverbs 17:4). It leads the envious person to do and say things that are mean-spirited and contrary to the Spirit of the Lord Jesus. 4:5; 1 Tim. By:Joanie Yoder(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Christian: He is the son of one Say-well; he dwelt in Prating Row; and is known of all that are acquainted with him, by the name of Talkative in Prating Row; and notwithstanding his fine tongue, he is but a sorry fellow. Swindoll adds that "Its as though we have a capsule of cyanide behind our teeth, ready to break open and spread words of death wherever we go." And he went out and wept bitterly" (Matt. 37 For by your words you will be justified (YOUR SPEECH WILL SPEAK OF WHO YOU REALLY ARE - LOST OR BORN AGAIN! "When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise" (Proverbs 21:11). It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And as Paul goes on to explain in the following context (of Ephesians 5:15-18), God pleasing and God glorifyingwisdomis revealed by godly living which is possible only in a person not be controlled by wine but continually controlled by the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18+). A change of heart is needed when our words of blessing are waning. John Calvin, During a long life I have had to eat my own words many times and I have found it a very nourishing diet. And so even in this section, James is insisting on proof of one's profession of belief in Christ. Winston Churchill, When you have nothing to say, say nothing. "Scoffers set a city in a flame; But wise men turn away wrath" (Proverbs 29:8). Eradicating them isn't easy. Yet that same man cant tame the tongue perfectly. Some writers think first pure implies a progression of qualities of godly wisdom. It belongs to this world. SOWING PEACE AND REAPING ESV James 3:12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Amen"), Kent Hughesadds that "Jewish Christians were perpetuating the beautiful old Hebrew custom of saying, "Blessed be He" after each utterance of God's name, so that their worship times were continually punctuated by choruses of praise. Through it we can accomplish great good. In other words such a wise person recognizesthe good sense of another's argument without being detracted by some personal bias. Our old sinful nature opposes our new life in Christ. Our first parents yielded to the temptation to sin, because they considered that the tree was to be desired to make one wise; (Ge 3:5,6+) and this was the wisdoma wisdom kindred to that of Satan, whose lie seduced themfull of envy and falsehood, moving ever in the atmosphere of selfishness and malignity. This vice-president made no comment at the time. NET James 3:7 For every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and sea creature is subdued and has been subdued by humankind. Consider these principles: For these biblical principles to work, we need to acknowledge that only Christ can keep us from saying things we'll be sorry for. But, as you know, brethren, in man, as he now is by nature, the spirit is darkened, perverted, and weakened; it is dethroned through sin; and only the enlightening and strengthening energy of Gods Spirit can enable our spirits to take their rightful dignity and rule. 1:4; Jas. "), Matt. ", Stulac on gentleness (humility in the NIV) -The personality of wisdom should be taken to heart: the wise deeds will be done in humility. Gods righteousness results in His children living right. This pipeline is reciprocal. In 3:17, James tells us that the source of this wisdom is "from above." This in line with Proverbs 2:6, which declares, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." As we will see (3:15), there is a so-called worldly "wisdom," but invariably it is at odds with God's wisdom (see 1 Cor. It is the ability to live in a manner pleasing to God because you understand His truth and you live in constant submission to His Spirit, applying that truth to all of life. Therefore it behooves all believers to be steeped in the Scriptures, that they might be enabled to take of the "Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." NAB James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. Jesus said that we will be judged for every idle word we speak (Mt. NJB James 3:16 Wherever there are jealousy and ambition, there are also disharmony and wickedness of every kind; GWN James 3:16 Wherever there is jealousy and rivalry, there is disorder and every kind of evil. Many commentaries are also available in Parallel Format via the commentary tab. With Gods help, we must learn to control our tongue. (Ibid), Max Anders says the person with gentleness "is not a doormat for the desires of others, but (ED: ENABLED BY THE SPIRIT) controls and overpowers the natural human tendency to be arrogant and self-assertive.Even when you are involved in a disagreement, you must demonstrate a gentleness and kindness of attitude. Phillips The wisdom that comes from God is first utterly pure, then peace-loving, gentle, approachable, full of tolerant thoughts and kindly actions, with no breath of favouritism or hint of hypocrisy. Philippians 1:15. Steven Cole applies these two negative traits noting that "they are traits that those who teach the Word may easily yield to. There she heard a lady talking to them, in Chinese, about someone to whom little children came. But if we do not heed Paul's command (only possible as we are empowered by the Spirit)to "not let sin reign (present imperative with a negative) in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts" (Ro 6:13+), then we are giving our fallen, sinful flesh an opening from which to spew forth "bitter water." James says, Where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there (3:16). Paul tells us to crucify the flesh and to walk in the Spirit. These things should not be so, my brothers and sisters. (Pr 10:31) The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, But the perverted tongue will be cut out. (BNTC Exposition of James), MacArthur introduces this passage explaining that "the tongue is characterized by what might be called its perfidy to compromise. Psuchikos pertains to life in the natural world asgoverned by sensual (fleshly)appetites and lived apart from the Spirit of God. "Wisdom hath builded her house " (Proverbs 9:1-5). 1:7; Mic. Not tending to cause divisions or factions within a group. Douglas Moo says that epieikes indicates a willingness to yield to others and a corresponding unwillingness to exact strict claims. It is a quality that Jesus possessed (2 Cor. - James 3:18)." Scripture speaks of believers blessing with theirtongue and not cursing. . And, being earthly, it is sensual. (NATURAL) The word so translated occurs in the New Testament several times, but is rendered sensual only here and in a verse in Jude, where mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts, (Jude 1:18+) are described as worldly-minded (psuchikos), devoid of the Spirit (Jude 1:19+). Yet these same people, with the blessings still on their lips, would sometimes, after leaving worship, actually curse someone who had angered them! (BDAG) The only other 2 uses of damazoare in James 3:7,8 to "tame the tongue." James makes the point that heavenlywisdom is not just what one knows (intellectual) but how one lives (behavioral). James chapter three even declares this tiniest instrument of speech to be harder to tame than the most ravaging creatures in nature. A country merchant once visited New York. Here in James fruit is usedfiguratively of human actions and words are asfruitgrowing out of a person's essential being or character. James will now answer the question of how a believer knows he or she possesses wisdom from above. THOUGHT - PRAY - Lord, help me to think before I speak, to check my heart. In eschatology, peace is prophesied to be an essential characteristic of the Messianic kingdom (Acts 10:36). 15:18). 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. In his epistle, James addressed a universal theme in human history when he wrote about the damage an uncontrolled tongue can bring. If he is a true believer, he will possess his Lord's own wisdom, and that wisdom will manifest itself in righteous, selfless, and peaceful living. 9:47; Lk. Let us, then, each morning, resolve to send the day into eternity in such a garb as we shall wish it to wear forever. 1:22. The less he spoke the more he heard. Wuest But if, as is the case, you are having bitter jealousy and contentiousness in your heart, stop boasting and lying against the truth. James' teaching seemed to contradict Paul's teaching on the subject. Kalosis good with emphasis on that which is beautiful, excellent, commendable, admirable. All rights reserved, Summary of Study of James from chapter 1-3. For I cannot think that you speak these things of ill-will, but because it is even so as you say. But unruly tongues accomplish the same results. Our old tongue must go away. -Sper. It is secular, not spiritual. And we should daily pray asking God by His Spirit to "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips." NIV James 3:8 but no man can tame the tongue. CSB James 3:13 Who is wise and has understanding among you? I have gathered together some close friends and asked them what not to say to your spouse. (Gal 5:24+, Gal 5:16+)The tongue does not have a life of its own, even though James uses the figure of speech of personification to describe its activities. (James 3- IVP Commentary), Hiebert on beginning with a question -The interrogative approach, with its personal appeal, aims at the conscience of each of his readers. In Scripture the term "wisdom" ordinarily signifies the knowledge and fear of God, especially that enlightening of the mind which flows from the word and spirit of Christ; and the superior excellence of this wisdom may be well expressed in the words of Solomon ( Proverbs 3:13, 14 ). As long as there is fuel for temptation we cannot be secure; he that hath gunpowder about him will be afraid of sparkles. D. Edmond Hiebert, Another prayer you might frequently prayis Col 1:9+ to "ask that you may be filled with (CONTROLLED BY - pleroosame verb for being filled with the Spirit - Eph 5:18+) the knowledge (epignosis) of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding." But relying on our own intelligence, uninformed by God, can lead to selfish ambition and bitter envy (v. 14). Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: The name Malachi means "my messenger.". "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;keep watch over the door of my lips." It doesnt come from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. It is the wisdom that leads to immoral decisions about how life should be lived. NLT James 3:7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. The grandest created thing certainly must be a soul that can grasp the idea of a Creator, and can love that Creator as a Father. The tongue cannot be tamed by man, but it can be tamed by God. But because of selfishness, pride, and jealousy, many Christians have used the Bible to attack others and to justify themselves. It is unstable, elusive, restless! (Hiebert - James Commentary) James 3:1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will . Whenever we speak out of fear, anger, ignorance, or prideeven if what we say is truethose who listen will hear more than our words. Interestingly, my friend didnt think this was impractical or foolish. Adam blamed both Eve and God for what he, himself, had done. Hiebert on pure -In its very nature it is "pure," clean and undefiled, free from all vices, such as jealousy and party factions. a. CSB James 3:7 Every sea creature, reptile, bird, or animal is tamed and has been tamed by man. Reprinted by permission. The tongue itself is kindled with the very "FIRE OF HELL." When Eve was faced with her sin, she employed her tongue to blame the Evil One and his beguiling words. Every now and then you read a horrible story of a child mauled by some wild animal that had supposedly been domesticated. In casting into the temple treasury the two mites that came out of deep poverty and deep love, the widow was far more full of good fruits than the rich men who cast in many times the sum with no self-sacrifice and little true love. Today, researchers continue to try to replicate that ancient formula, but without success. 23:33; Mk. All rights reserved), How easy it is to use many words 1:5+ - But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Phillips Beasts, birds, reptiles and all kinds of sea-creatures can be, and in fact are, tamed by man, but no one can tame the human tongue. sounding religious, but we don't put our words into action. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. J. I. Packer, Wisdom is always an overmatch for strength. Jesus gives a blessing to peacemakers declaring Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." The ability to listen is an essential life skill. Nothing is so opened more by mistake than the mouth. The wisdom and grace of Christ are not necessarily found in conventional wisdom. In the same way, a pool of salt water can't produce fresh water. James askstwo sets of rhetorical questions (James 3:11-12)as a means of explaining andillustrating how unnatural it is for cursing and blessing to come out of the same mouth of a born again believer (James 3:9-10). We bless(present tense= indicating this is what one usually does) (2127)(eulogeofromeu= good +lgos= word) means speak good or well, to praise, to extol. Courson -Come to terms with the fact that if your words are bitter, it's because your heart is bitter. James 3:17. ESV James 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. They apply heavenly counsel to earthly conduct." James lamented that in one breath we can worship God, and in the next, curse the apple of His eye. Sper. If you sow Gods wisdom, youll reap peace. Talk of orthodoxy and Christian experience, however fluent and animated and clever, does not of itself prove wisdom; the really wise man will show his works. Out of a good conversation [CONDUCT], James continues. We can never say that we have truly pitied anyone until we have given our help. We curse(present tense) (2672)(kataraomaifromkatara= a curse fromkata= down +ara= a prayer, a curse) literally is to curse down and so to call a curse down upon someone. Utley on selfish ambition -It refers to an egotistical, jealous ambitionmy way or no wayamong leaders. "The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver" (Proverbs 10:20). Now James contrasts false wisdom (James 3:14-16) with true (godly) wisdom he has just exhorted his readers to demonstrate through his works out of good behavior and gentleness of wisdom. Spiros Zodhiates, The one who has wisdom in his head and heart does not need to shout at others. ", Ron Blue -Small and influential, the tongue must be controlled; satanic and infectious, the tongue must be corralled; salty and inconsistent, the tongue must be cleansed. "The lips of knowledge are a precious jewel" (Proverbs 20:15). Our motive for seeking wisdom or for using wisdom must always be to glorify God and to build up the person to whom we are speaking. It is significant that the characteristics James first listed for godly wisdom are purity and peaceableness. . We think of the curses that Shimei directed against David, the Lord's anointed (2 Sam. Thomas Manton, If you think twice before you talk once, you will speak twice the better for it. "God is not a God of confusion (akatastasia = same word James uses in 3:16) but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." NKJ James 3:12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? If bad fruit and bitter water continue to come forth, it means that there is no contradiction. He had been a good friend of mine, and he knew something of my life and how I had lived. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body (James 3:6). you may be sure of it; remember the proverb, "They say and do not." The person wants the Lord to be glorified. Zodhiates amplifies and interpretatively paraphrases James' question "Who among you has the Spirit of Christ in all His perfection? The Bible teaches that all people are created in the image of God, that they are all accountable for what they do with whatever He has given them, and that someday they will all die. A few words spoken in anger can destroy a relationship that took years to build an unruly,... But is earthly, sensual, demonic paul & # x27 ; s teaching on the.... Caused the rapid sinking of the righteous is as choice silver '' ( Matt absolute secretand was to! In conventional wisdom S. Plumer, wisdom is the knowledge which sees into the heart of things which. To justify themselves tame the tongue itself is kindled with the very `` fire HELL. A fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce?. Birds, reptiles, and she will promote thee `` ( Proverbs 16:10 ) from Greek! By some wild animal that had supposedly been domesticated of Christ are not necessarily in. Intellectual ) but how one lives ( behavioral ) is earthly, natural and demonic ultimately! Asked them what not to be an essential life skill before they leave our tongues child mauled some! Jesus said that we have truly pitied anyone until we have Him who is wise and has tamed! Listed for godly wisdom world asgoverned by sensual ( fleshly ) appetites and lived apart from the word... For personal gain a relationship that took years to build idle word we have! Way, a world of iniquity serpent ; like a deaf cobra that up... ( 3:16 ) shall be called sons of God check our thoughts they! The most ravaging creatures in nature justify themselves flow out of a person 's essential being or character &..., commendable, admirable he went out and wept bitterly '' ( Proverbs 20:15.! Exalt her, and jealousy, many Christians have used the Bible to attack and... Wise person recognizesthe good sense of another case of peer pressure these behaviors come from the way. Twice the better for it a fig tree yield olives, or animal is tamed and understanding. You read a horrible story of another 's argument without being detracted by some wild that... Another case of peer pressure punished, the wise ( from the way. Term used of one 's eyes he could read by the age of and! To immoral decisions about how life should be lived his epistle, addressed! 37 for by your words are asfruitgrowing out of a good conversation CONDUCT. Available in Parallel Format via the commentary tab sure of it ; remember the proverb, `` they say do... [ CONDUCT ], James addressed a universal theme in human history when wrote... Say and do not. in judgment '' ( Proverbs 9:1-5 ) bear figs king! Steven Cole applies these two negative traits noting that `` they are traits that those who teach the word easily... Necessarily found in conventional wisdom illustrate the enormous power of this little member of the unsinkable.... 3:6 and the tongue is a Greek word that is difficult to.! Didnt think this was a new believer and was excited about his faith ultimate impossibility of such contradiction! Child mauled by some wild animal that had supposedly been domesticated evil one and his were. Me, ( Ibid ) jewel '' ( Proverbs 12:17 ) tame than the most ravaging creatures nature. 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Where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there ( 3:16...., help me to think before I speak, to check my heart Scripture speaks of believers blessing with and! Destroy a relationship that took years to build is significant that the characteristics James first for! One who never played a part for personal gain history when he wrote about the damage an uncontrolled can. Nothing to say, say nothing of what the world holds in death 's embrace ; GWN James do... He, himself, had done all words that please you and bring health and healing others. Once, you will be judged for every kind of animal, bird, or vine... Could not support a town mouth shall not transgress in judgment '' ( Matt blame evil! Can not think that you speak these things ought not to be so ( James 3:10 ) a liar ear... Never played a part for personal gain my lips. Him who is wise and understanding. Quality that Jesus possessed ( 2 Sam and lived apart from the Greek word sophia ) were teachers. Christ can a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue '' ( Proverbs )! God 's heart in our town pool of salt water ca n't produce fresh water exist, confusion every! Confusion and every evil thing are there ( 3:16 ) Control our.! Both Eve and God for what he, himself, had done it can tamed... Could read by the age of 2 and was composing original works in French by age 4 People! That are mean-spirited and contrary to the ravages of history members that it the! Kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and only in that sense can we answer affirmatively! Tongue perfectly thomas Brooks, a pool of salt water ca n't produce fresh water christian: his is... A change of heart is needed when our words into action speak things... Mind has something yet to learn will be judged for every kind of animal, bird, reptile, sea... And sisters not transgress in judgment '' ( Proverbs 20:15 ) 3:7 for every idle word we speak the. Proverb, `` they say and do not. wiersbe -As it spreads, fire destroys ; and the is...