Ni90: James, Proverbs 17

The Book of James is rich in wisdom. Written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit by the half-brother of Jesus, this book is called by some the “New Testament Proverbs.” I could spend weeks commenting on verses that have been impactful in my life over the years, but I will restrict my observations to a few that catch me today.

• 1:22. Even in the days of James (who was, by the way, the head of the Jerusalem church, there was sometimes a disconnect between what a person said and what a person did. There were “professors” who claimed “faith in Jesus.” James states emphatically that there is no acceptable circumstance where ones “profession” was not joined with action/application. Stated simply: “Walk the Talk” or “if there hasn’t been some change (in action) then there hasn’t been some change (in heart).”
• 2:20-23. Our “faith” is evident in our actions, not our confession. In fact “faith” (the intellectual agreement kind of faith) is PERFECTED in our actions. It really isn’t FAITH until it is put to the test. So…let’s apply that. “I believe God has purposed for His people to bear witness of His grace and desire to save.” This statement is a “faith” position, but not faith UNTIL we act in accordance with it. Until we are witnesses…we don’t really have FAITH in the statement. Again…”I believe that God teaches ‘tithing’ in the Scriptures” is a “faith position” until we act on it…demonstrating or perfecting/completing our faith. Pick any subject…and the same litmus test applies.
• 2:24. Justification…that is our being declared righteous before God comes in response to our WORKS and not by FAITH (the proposition) alone. So…a person who has no works…has no Salvation/righteousness. [A hard word…but a true word…and one that brings clarity to much that causes angst in some people’s lives.

So much more in this text…but the question of the hour is…”Were I unable to speak…would there be enough evidence from my actions that I was a believer to justify me before God?”

Take Two: James 5, Proverbs 30

James 5 opens in a fiery discourse. James admonishes those who trust in and worry about riches…those who have placed their hope in that which they can control…he tells them that a day of reckoning is coming when their efforts will testify against them.

Bear in mind that riches are not an inherently “bad” thing. They simply aren’t. Yes…I have also heard that money is the root of all evil and had the statement attributed to the Scriptures. The Scripture does not say this…but it does state that the LOVE (affection toward/ trust in/ consideration and focus on) of money is the root of all sorts of evil (1 Tim 6:10). Here, James admonishes those who have spent their life acting upon the LOVE of money and not the LOVE of God. [WAIT: It is important to realize at this point that no one I know would stand up and say, "I love money." In fact, they would all declare that this passage speaks of someone else. However, as in other places, the true test is seen not in the confess but in the application.]

• Do they use shrewd or “sketchy” business practices to gain advantage and take advantage of some by their actions? (If you wouldn’t brag about your business practices to your church family or your mom…this might be you!) (v.4).
• Do they live luxuriously WHILE AT THE SAME TIME neglecting the needs of those around them? (v.5).
• Do they take advantage of righteous people who have trusted them (v.6) while convincing themselves of how righteous they are personally?

This admonition also served as an encouragement to the victims of such conduct…who reasonably cried out to God asking if He was paying attention to the injustice in the world?

Vv.7ff move to the encouragement. If you are a victim of such conduct…and are suffering…do not fear, God is watching and will answer for you. Do not feel as though you must answer for yourself. God will answer. Be patient, like the farmer awaiting the harvest of planted grain (vv.7-8). Do not complain or fret because of the injustice…live patiently as the prophets of old (vv.9-11).

Don’t miss the connection of vv.13ff and the truth we have just seen. We are told to trust God patiently, but we are not told to “fake or feign” our trust in God. We are told to genuinely come to a place of trusting Him. THAT REQUIRES Sanctifiction…genuine work and repentance and trials (James 1).

When our suffering involves illness, we should seek God’s answer to discover the source of our illness (sickness that is simply physically based, genetic, spiritual warfare, and even consequences of sin). [SIDENOTE: There is a reason why one is instructed to call for the elders of the church to be prayed for and anointed. This is not about a "Benny Hinn production." It is about seeking God for answers and direction. What manner of sickness is this? How must we respond to it? Do we blame God for allowing our Diabetes...or do we blame our lack of discipline and love for the buffet? Do we blame God for our contracting AIDS, or do we acknowledge and repent of our promiscuity that led to it (not that this is the only way to contract aids)? Do we accuse God of not caring about our migraines...or do we look at the stress in our lives, our diet and exercise regimen, and our family history?

Some illnesses are spiritually related...they may be demonic in origin or they may be trials? Some are the consequences of sin? SOme...are just the byproduct of living in a fallen world where death and disease are a reality. God is BIGGER than all of these and He MAY choose to step in and heal in any of these situations...but the PEACE that James has been speaking of comes from our reliance on God in the midst of the struggle...knowing that God is good and compassionate and gracious and Sovereign. We patiently await God's answer...whether it is healing, transformation (into our heavenly abode), or grace to stand in the midst of our suffering.

Life...and its difficulties...and its temptations...boast an allure that is destructive. James leaves us with two verses (vv.19-20) that remind us to prioritize the reconciliation of those who are suffering or who have fallen away. This is focused INTERNALLY to those within the family. [Do not discount the work of evangelism...but this relates to the rescue MANDATE among believers.]

Now let me preface this last remark with a confession that I have struggled with this at times. There are people who have been UGLY to me personally and harsh toward my family. They have moved away from God and live separated from Him and from His hope…all the while clinging to a VBS prayer 100 years ago. Part of me has, at times, wanted to simply say, “you made your bed, now lay in it.” (WOW…a pastor said that? Yes…because he can be honest with himself and others). When I get into a mode like this, I have to remember my own circumstance. God never owed me a “first chance,” much less the millions of “second chances” that He gives. Furthermore, He pursues me when I am far from Him. And…He calls me to do likewise.

Now here is the statement. “Don’t tell me you ‘get it’ while you let relatives and friends who are far from God (don’t go to church, don’t share their faith, don’t seek growth through the Scriptures, etc) simply to suffer in their state of separation.” Some people have loved ones who are bitter and suffering because they have sin in their lives and simply want to lash out against the church or a preacher or a denomination. To simply hang out at another Thanksgiving dinner while not seeking to draw them back to God…to rescue them from themselves…is not love. It is something vastly different. What’s worse…to take any comfort in a prayer this person prayed 100 years ago ir foolish and ignores the greater counsel of Scripture. Get REAL! They are either lost, religiously lost, or are acting like and suffering like the lost. To not try incessantly to restore them is akin to watching a man treading water for hours while circled by great white sharks as you look on from the rail with a rope in your hands! Rescue the perishing!

You may say…”he’s preaching again. He is exaggerating the point to make us feel bad.” Hogwash. I am simply pointing out that if we really “get God” and love Him and people the way He commands us…then it is insane to think we are so spiritual while we simply watch others suffer as lost men…whether they are lost or simply acting as such.

Proverbs 30:5-6 is the takeaway today. “Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words or He will reprove you and you will be proved a liar.”

Take Two: James 4, Proverbs 29

James 4 runs at lightning speed. In vv.1-2 he asserts that the source of conflict in our lives actually exists in our own souls, not in the actions of others. We seek to depend on our own actions and abilities rather than accepting with godly contentment the circumstances of our lives.

This lust for “more” can (and often does) lead to our compromise with the world’s systems (vv.4-10). We desire what some of the world has to offer…so we justify our capitulation on standards…and find ourselves selling out to the enemy and perverting the holiness of God by introducing ungodly pursuits into the mix.

Vv.11-12 speaks of our judging a brother in speech. When we speak harshly against a brother, we place ourselves in the role of judge. When we do so, we elevate ourselves above the Law.

NOTE: As I consider this…I am forced to consider it from a couple different directions. The Scripture tells us to be discerning. It also tells us to call sin-sin. Somehow…this admonition must be taken literally and yet not be contradictory to this truth. One of the ways we commit this sin is by assigning and judging motives of people. We hear a person say “X” and we decide that the reason they said “x” is because they were motivated by “y”. I know that I make judgments about a person’s motives from time to time. (Maybe it is the leftover “cop” in me.) I also have people assign motives to me. I make a statement and they assume that I did so for some secret “black helicopter” reason and then tell their friends. At a minimum, this judgment in speech is spoken of here. What is not spoken of is calling a liar a liar. It is not saying that one who commits adultery is an adulteress and is sinning against God. That is discernment and not judgment. [Probably a lot more for me to chew on with this text in the coming days as I meditate on it.]

In vv.13-16, James equates a statement of future personal intentions as “boasting” when we act as though we are masters of our own destiny. Short of “if the Lord wills,” any such statements of what we are going to do in the future can be and often is reckless boasting…and it takes away from the intentional witness and declaration of our submission before our Lord. [How strong would our witness be if our every response to future intention was framed with "if the Lord desires/wills/chooses].

So…what if these things are true and we choose to delay doing them? V.17 states that it is sin. To know what to do and not to do it is to the one who knows…SIN. This may mean (and I believe it does) that this applies to things that are different between you and me. I may feel led to do “x” and you may have no leading. In this case, “x” is not required or prohibited by the Scriptures. In this case, for me not to do it (give a freewill offering, help a person, abstain from permissible foods/wine, etc) is sin; whereas, the same abstention is not sin to someone else.

Proverbs 29:7 is the takeaway today. “The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor, the wicked does not understand such concern.”

Take Two: James 3, Proverbs 28

James 3:1 is a sobering verse that reminds us of the power and responsibility of influence. Those who are looked to as influential are held to a corresponding level of responsibility. The man who desires to be a leader of committees and within his church should know that God holds him responsible for what he does with the influence/ responsibility. The “enemy” also knows this and spends great effort attempting to detour and deter men of influence. As Jesus said, “Strike the shepherd and the sheep are scattered.” In the same way, if the enemy can get a man of influence to fall…or worse…to lead other men to embark on an errant course…he has multiplied his efforts.

How do teachers influence? Through the power of the tongue. Teaching is a great tool in the Kingdom and a great responsibility. This is because fo the power of the tongue. James moves forward and discusses the fact that a man’s tongue is a great barometer of a man’s heart. If a man cannot control his tongue, he cannot consider himself self-disciplined. A man’s tongue expresses the meditations of a man’s heart. So…the man who claims to be deeply spiritual but spouts all manner of ungodliness, is a liar and is self-deceived. This does not mean that a man’s outward expressions of speech are the only measure of godliness.. (for a man can be ungodly and be wise in controlling his speech); it does mean, however, that if a man claims to be godly or thinks himself spiritual but cannot or will not control his tongue…he is a foolish man.

Where does the wisdom to control ones speech come from? Where does the wisdom to fulfill one’s responsibility as a teacher come from? From God above who gives liberally to all who seek it (vv.13-18). The outworking of this wisdom is seen in the fruit of the spirit as recounted here by James. A WISE MAN displays the fruit of a mature life in Christ…because wisdom is more than intellectual in nature. It is applied living…a theme we have seen all throughout this text.

Proverbs 28:10 is the takeaway today. “He who leads the upright astray in an evil way will himself fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit good.”

Take Two: James 2, Proverbs 27

In this chapter we find two themes, but a common thread. As we discussed yesterday, the point of Scripture is to reveal God to us in such a way that we are transformed by this knowledge and reflect Christ. It is intended for more than information…but transformation. Such is the thrust of vv.14ff. There must be an outworking of our faith or the faith (intellectual agreement) is empty.

It seems as if James is responding to a position that I hear from time to time…”I believe…you can’t tell me where I am spiritually. I know what I believe and I believe I am right with God.” Some version of this response usually accompanies the Holy Spirit’s work of conviction in a person’s life. They hear or read the Word of God…and it takes root in their heart and their pulse quickens, their palms sweat…and they sense that they need to respond. Suddenly, as if out of nowhere, the resistance occurs. They argue that they are already saved and they become angered at the person who “made them” feel convicted. They declare that they have FAITH and that this faith saves.

Well, James’ response is that a saving faith is always accompanied by believing works. [By the way...this made Luther flip out and call this Letter a "quite strawy epistle." Remember, he led the charge for sola fida...by faith alone...and struggled with the implications of these verses. The truth is...there is no contradiction. Salvation is accomplished by grace alone (sola gratia) through faith alone (sola fida)...but the faith that saves is also a faith that acts consistent with the faith. ]

So…when the man comes to me and declares that he hates religion, hates church, doesn’t give financially to his local church to support its Kingdom work, is a gossiping back-biter who would just as soon prefer to read the Sport Illustrated Swimsuit edition (for the articles) as read the Bible, and hasn’t prayed more than “God is Great, God is good” in decades…I say that the Bible calls this an empty faith that cannot save (James 2:14-17). [If that conclusion bugs him or sounds judgmental, I'd say it bugs God more that I could even make the assertion and that only God judges...I just read the Scripture and discern the man's actions as they compare and contrast with it.]

Another aspect of APPLYING the Scripture and our knowledge of God is seen in vv.1-13. This discusses looking at or valuing a person differently based on outward appearance or his ability to give financial gifts. James condemns the practice of showing favoritism to wealthy churchgoers and treating poorly those who are poor. He says that such “judgment” stems from evil motives (which I would call “control issues”) and miss the point that God is not One who respects a man in the same way we do. We see a great athlete or a wealthy businessman…and we make the leap to their being great people…and even to the point of valuing their contribution to the kingdom more than that of a person without the same credentials. (This is not about spiritual gifts…it is about evil judging.) I think it is fair to draw the comparison…that if we made decisions in the church based on which wealthy person supported it or didn’t support it…we could fit into this category.

Now, as I embark on my 10th year in leading local churches, I am convinced that when people listen more to the “constituency” than to God, they are guilty of exactly what James speaks of. [These folks think I am nuts though...and I know it.] I confess that I have to wrestle this particular sin in my own life far more often that I wish. Many pastors do. They sense a direction from God but immediately start counting the families that will not like it or the people who will leave. I even have pastor friends who have said that they were led to do something (by God) but that if they did, the people would fire them and they needed the job. [The "prophet streak" in me blows up at this point! I want to scream..."Who did you think you were working for!!!!!" You lead God's people on God's behalf and represent God...not a consensus of shareholders. They don't own the church. They couldn't pay for it! Their blood was insufficient and His was shed for the very privilege they have of calling on His Name! Without Christ who is Lord and Head of the Church, they are but a souped up moral Rotary club with a weird-looking building!] Whew…glad to get that out. I was going to explode!

REFLECTIONS: God calls us to make decisions as He would/does. He doesn’t count noses or nickels, works toward a consensus, and decides to move forward or not. Look at how Jesus led. He led by knowing God’s will, announcing it, and calling others to follow. His disciples argued often. All of the crowds left Him because He was too controversial and drew lots of bad heat.

It is time for pastors to be pastors and lead sheep to the pastures that the owner fo the sheep requires…not to take opinion polls of sheep themselves…even if they are responsible for a sizable part of the budget. If they are right with God…they will follow. If they follow, they will be blessed. If they reject…it is not God who suffers, or God’s people…but the one who abandoned Abundant Life in order to pursue rebellious motives.

Proverbs 27:12 “A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, the naive proceed and pay the penalty.”

Take Two: James 1, Proverbs 26

This Book/Letter written by the half-brother of Jesus under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is one of the most thought-provoking and hard-hitting of all the Scriptures.

James opens by addressing the letter to those who are dispersed (the Diaspora) due to persecution. His audience is experiencing difficulties due to their being…well…Jews. He then tells them to think of their struggles, not as a curse but as a means to great blessing, since the trials produce within them endurance resulting in maturity/perfection (vv.2-4). Vv.12-18 remind us of the blessing of enduring under trial since the outcome is approval by God. One should not go so far as to say that tempts us…and that this temptation is part of God’s “master plan” to develop us. This would be contrary to God’s character. God will strengthen us and help us in our temptation (1 Cor 10:13), but He is not the tempter.

Vv.19-25 remind us that the goal of Scripture is revelation of who God is and what His Holiness and Sovereignty demands of those who are His. This is not information for information sake; rather it is for application sake. [NOTE: This is one of the reasons I say that the Bible is pastoral in nature. It has as its end a transformed life as we understand God and His plan as it is revealed.]

Revelation without application results in no change…no transformation…a useless result. God desires that we become “effectual doers” of the Word, not merely hearers.

The test of a truly religious person who has applied the Scriptures is seen in vv.26-27, “If a man thinks he is religious but will not control his words, he is deceived.” True religion results in holiness and care for the poor and needy, as God’s Kingdom agents.

APPLIED: Trying to pick up all of James in one sitting is like trying to take a sip from a fire hydrant. In broad strokes, we are told to view all of life from a Kingdom perspective, placing our hope in the coming King…and preparing to meet Him at any moment. What if we considered every decision from this perspective? What if we decided how to invest our time based on this priority? What if we invested money based on this priority? What if we prayed based on this priority? I imagine that things might be different in our lives and our influence would be evident to those around us.

Proverbs 26:18-19 is the takeaway today. “Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, so is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says, ‘was I not joking?’ “

Take Two: James 5, Proverbs 9

The final chapter of James contains some powerful and often misunderstood themes. James 5:1-3 opens with a prophetic word to the rich who had amassed wealth. Two issues are in view. They had come to a place of trusting in their possessions. Much like the rich man in the parable of the barns (Luke 12:13-21), they had seen fit to hoard and store up plenteous possessions. The second picture shows that the things they had trusted in were decaying. Their value was diminishing as they sat hoarded up. This is poor stewardship. If, God is the provider of all resources (and I believe He is)…then it is sinful to take God’s resources out of circulation! In an effort to provide for their own security, they had amassed wealth which would not provide and had hurt others because they had monopolized God’s resources and removed them from circulation.

Many of the rich’s holdings were gained at the expense of those around them. Some of this wealth was gained by withholding “good” (wages) from those who deserved it (vv.4-5). Whereas some would call the efforts of the rich “good business,” God saw it as a cause for indictment and the basis for the judgment at the coming day. (vv.6-11).

The statements on perseverance (vv.7-11) serve as a link. The rich (who exercised poor stewardship) should know and fear the coming of the Lord which will come…just as the harvest follows the planting. The righteous should know and rejoice at the coming of the Lord…persevering in their trials and anticipating the righteous judgment of God which will reward them in the coming Day.

James 5:12 simply means to operate with integrity. There is no need to swear an oath (necessarily) and there is no escape clause (in the eyes of God) for those who said “yes” but did not swear by heaven or earth. God looks upon our hearts. If we commit to do something, give something, act in a certain way…God looks at that and expects we will do it…based on our word. To justify our non-compliance later by pointing out a “loophole” is to accomplish nothing in God’s eyes. An example:

A man made a commitment to give a “freewill offering” for missions at the church. He intended to give based on God’s leading. When time came to give according to his pledge, he checked his checkbook balance and chose to reduce or retract his commitment. He justified it based on (you fill in the blank). He felt as though the “Spirit” was leading him to go a different direction. Such was not the case. Either the Spirit of God led him to make the commitment as he said, or the Spirit of God was leading now. God knows. The man knows. I don’t know…except this: God was not leading the man to commit and then uncommit later. God is not capricious in His actions.

vv.13-15 have raised a few eyebrows in church life. Someone asked me recently how I felt about having a healing service and cited these verses. Let’s be clear on what they teach. If a man is suffering, let him pray to God. If a man is blessed, let him praise God. If a man is so sick that he cannot pray, let HIM CALL FOR the elders of the church (who will go to him privately) and pray for him.

This does not teach that the elders (pastors) are to call a meeting to pray and anoint with oil for healing. It doesn’t even leave that as a valid, potential interpretation. The reason for the elders is related to “discerning” the cause of the man’s troubles. This is why the statement of confessing sin in v.16. As the elders pray, God may reveal to them the nature of the man’s illness (is it sickness unto death, sickness unto the glory of God, or sickness as the consequence of sin).

I have many “great” stories about this practice. Through the years I have met folks who treated this as a ritual “prescription” as if prayer+oil+elders=healing. This is incredible and diminishes the glory of God. It reduces the healing work of God to the production of publicity hounds such as some of those TV and crusade guys. The danger in this view (as if defacing the glory of God weren’t enough)…is that when healing doesn’t occur in an outward, physical way…the enemy whispers (or shouts through the professing ‘healer’)that the reason is the lack of faith on the sick man. The word for that in the Greek is HOGWASH.

Proverbs 9:8 is the takeaway today. “Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, reprove a wise man and he will love you.” To try to correct a man who “scoffs” at your authority (God’s Word) simply builds animosity with him. Do not try to argue with a non-Christian about why they should be in church on Easter. They don’t care. They don’t need to be in church. They don’t accept your basis of authority. Help them find Jesus…and you will find a person who DESIRES to be in church on Easter.

Well, you have persevered  through James. Tomorrow, back to the OT! See you in the book of Malachi (the last book in the OT).

Grace.

Take Two: James 4, Proverbs 8

To this point in the Letter, James has spoken to us about the quality and substance of our faith. True faith in God results in righteousness. A faith in God that saves…is a faith that submits to God in EVERY area of life and serves others as God’s chosen instrument. Does this mean that all believers are perfect? No. But it does mean that there can be NO ALLOWANCE for sin in a believer’s life. He is to actively and intentionally submit himself to God…which means that He is to take his desires captive, disciplining himself to live according to God’s plan and purpose…rather than his own. This does not come NATURALLY but SUPERNATURALLY. It is certainly made possible by the power of God the Holy Spirit working in our lives. However, God never overrides our will. So, the Holy Spirit does not make holy him refuses to submit to God and pursues evil.

The outworking of leadership/Lordship in our lives (that is the fruit of it) is evident in our actions. Within all of us is self-interest. There is a desire for personal pleasure. If personal pleasure is allowed to be Lord of our lives…then the outworking is murders, envy, etc. (vv.1-2). If Jesus is Lord of our lives, then we submit ourselves and take captive the desire for self-gratification within us…pursuing God’s will over our own.

[NOTE: It is interesting to me that James does not lay any blame for the murder or envy on the "devil." He points to the "devilish/evil" desires within us as the source for our struggles.]

We are called to live in daily submission and dependence on God (vv.3-4). We seek God’s provision because we recognize that God’s purpose is greater than our own. Our will/purpose is submissive to His. In taking this mindset and pursuing it with action, we make ourselves friends with God and not with the world. Friendship/kinship with the world is to be an enemy of God…because everything in the world’s system is based on man’s nature and not God’s. We are called, therefore, to submit to God and resist the devil/world’s ruler (v.7). We do this by drawing near to God with our actions (cleanse your hand) and our heart/motives/desires (purify your hearts) (v.8).

vv.11-12 speaks of the action of slander. This is not a motive but an action. Do not speak against (slander) a brother. At the root is an action of judgment. We as people are too “messed up” in our own sin to ever be qualified to judge righteously. To judge a person (that is to slander/speak down/pronounce judgment against the person…not an action) is to elevate ourselves above them and even above the Law…since it is not lawful to judge. This is an indication of a heart issue. James accentuates the filial relationship by speaking of “brothers.” There is an implied sense of equality. A true understanding of God and of sin results in a proper view of ourselves as equal to every other person out there. There is no difference between my sin and your sin or “bin laden’s” sin. All are sin and separate us from God. We have no right or reason to elevate ourselves above another. GOD ALONE is able to pronounce judgment, because God alone is above us (brothers) and the Law.

AT THE SAME TIME, we are called to speak against sin. We are not being judgmental when we confront someone biblically about gossip, adultery, unfaithfulness, homosexuality, perversions, drunkenness, etc. Anyone who claims to be a “brother” also claims to have rejected these things in his life. A “non-brother” will do these things because he has no allegiance to God. They are still wrong. We still proclaim them as being in opposition to God’s plan and purpose. If a person feels judged…so be it. To Judge is not to proclaim against…but to declare a person unworthy of God’s forgiveness because they have embraced sin. When do you stop preaching… NEVER. When do you stop loving and begging a person to embrace God over sin….NEVER! We never judge a person as unworthy of God’s grace. We preach and proclaim and biblically confront until their last breath or our own.

vv.13-17 conclude the chapter but not the section. We have no right to presume upon tomorrow. We have a tomorrow if God wills. Otherwise we have only today. We must act today. To do otherwise is to sin. (v.17, “to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.”)

Proverbs 8:35 is the takeaway today. “For he who finds [the wisdom of God] finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.” The key to living the abundant life is to know the will of God (wisdom) and to do it. Perhaps…if we spent as much time seeking wisdom from God’s Word as we did “counseling” with others about our concerns…we would find the source of truly abundant life.

Take Two: James 3, Proverbs 7

The focus of James 3 is on the tongue…that is the “speech” of man. James lays out a pretty bold statement, “if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well” (v.2). Imagine this: our discipline/ spirituality/ relationship with God are characterized by our speech!

This statement, of course, ties into the first verse in the instruction toward teachers. A person’s words are so weighty, that teachers incur a “stricter judgment” for their use of them (v.1). It is not that the teacher is held to a higher standard…it is that the stakes are higher. I tell people all the time that the weight and pressure of speaking 2 times a week…every week…is high. The reason is because there are a number of people who believe what I say about God. If I do not take time to process my thoughts and communicate them clearly, then I may become a stumbling point…rather than a help in the journey of knowing God. As such, the judgment I will incur by God is stricter.

James them in vv.3-6 gives several parallels from life that illustrate the power and persuasion of a little thing. A “bit” in the horse’s mouth control him. A “rudder” on a ship directs the path of the ship. “A spark” in the forest becomes a great forest fire. The point being that the power of the tongue is great…even though the tongue (or a person’s speech) is only a small part of who they are.

One of my current burdens pertains to those people who talk down about their spouse/children. I know women who have husbands who don’t attend church. They carry on about it in such a way (usually in prayer groups or Facebook) that everyone knows that the husband is out of God’s will. What they do not understand is that it places a stigmatism over the husband and makes it much more difficult for him to ever join them in church. Sure, they gain a hearing and even some empathy from their friends…but at what cost? If it is truly a burden, then ask someone to pray with you. Confide in a person you trust. Don’t tell your entire LIFE Group to pray for your “lost” husband because… 

When a person shares openly and indiscriminately about their spouses shortcomings/sins, they taint their spouse in the eyes of everyone who will know him. In this way, the “speech” which was intended to do good…actually becomes an instrument of destruction. This is one reason that my wife, Jodi, and I decided years ago to never de-edify one another in public. She never has to worry about me “running her down” (as if she actually had any faults…which I am not conceding at this point) to a group of guys or gals. If I have an issue, I will take it to her. If I have a need for counsel, I will go to one of my strict confidants and seek advice and know they will take it to the grave before ever repeating it. If I need to pray for her, I will ask folks to pray for a relational challenge I am experiencing and leave it at that. GOD KNOWS the situation. People who need to know the details are just nosy! (OK..enough preaching. Back to the reflection…)

From the perspective of the writer, we should seek to control our speech in ever circumstance because it is powerful and it communicates powerfully a message about us and our God (vv.8-12). This may seem to be counter-intuitive. It is not. It just operates according to God’s wisdom, rather than man. We must be intimately aware of our own propensity to fault and failure…our vulnerability being swept up in our sinful indulgence and arrogance. Only then can we guard ourselves against sins of our speech.

Proverbs 7:14-15 is the takeaway today. [The boisterous/sinful woman said to the naive man:] “I was due to offer peace offerings; today I have paid my vows. Therefore I have come out to meet you, to seek your presence earnestly, and I have found you.” I picked up these verses from the middle of a conversation but here is how it goes. The temptress tells the naive man…”You are God’s gift to me. I went to temple today and made a peace offering and asked God to give me a man tonight. I came out and found you! You and I are destined to be together.” Funny isn’t it how someone can twist God’s Word and will to reflect their own feelings and passions. This woman tells the naive man that God has blessed her by giving her a chance to feel loved by a man other than her husband. AND, he falls for it! That is the point of the Proverb. There comes a time when our feelings will be so loud in our ears that we will think they are from God. They only true and accurate/reliable test of what is from God…is His Word. That is why the writer counsels his son to hold these truths close to his heart and ever trust his “feelings” more than the Word of God. God’s Word is always true. It ever changes.

Take Two: James 2, Proverbs 6

James 2 opens with an admonition against partiality. In James 2:1-7, he addresses the different treatments of the rich man and the poor man. He is speaking a principle here that uses a hypothetical example. As God’s people, we are not to judge and LIMIT access to God based on a standard seen in our culture. We should show no special favor to a rich man simply because he is rich. Both the rich and poor have the same access to salvation by God’s grace. At the same time, we are not to show favoritism toward the poor man (class envy). Worldly wealth is not a barometer of holiness or an indicator of God’s favor. Men are to be treated according to their possession of Jesus as Lord and Savior…not according to their wealth.

Some may have begun to argue (at least in their minds) that if they were guilty, it was only of a “small sin”…and was no big deal in God’s eyes. James 2:8-13 reminds us that to be guilty of one sin makes us guilty. To obey one aspect of God’s law and not another…still makes us guilty under the Law. NOTE: For those who may say…”Whew! We are under grace and not the Law…so this doesn’t apply to us.” NOT SO! Remember real religion is the life of holiness. We are called to live holy lives (James 1:27).

Some may begin to object…saying that our relationship with God is not dependent on our works…but by faith alone. This is true…but what kind of faith? Are we speaking of mental ascent (an intellectual agreement with a set of facts); Or, are we speaking of a saving faith? James explores the distinction in the remainder of the chapter.

“Faith” without corresponding action based on that faith is not really faith…at least not the “saving kind” (James 2:14-17). Even the demons (who are obviously not in the “saved” category) know and accept/believe the facts about God (James 2:18-20). The faith that saves always manifests itself with corresponding works (James 2:20-26).

Works do not save us. God saves us when we respond to Him by faith. Our response to Him is evident in our actions. Our “confession” of belief in a set of facts is no more effective in “saving” us than anything in the world. Our response to the God the facts speak of…is one of faith and is evident by our actions. As someone said, “what you do speaks so loudly, I cannot hear what you say.”

Proverbs 6:30-31 is the takeaway today. There is understanding when a man sins because he is overwhelmed by his need. This is not an excuse…but an explanation. Still, the man must repay/make restitution for his sin. He is not absolved from responsibility simply because he was overwhelmed.