Biblical Teaching on Prayer
James 3:9-10
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
Pondering Point
This bible verse is a tongue twister, but unfortunately it is NOT a good one! James shares a sad reality that our tongues can become disgracefully twisted, sharing both praise for God and shameful words about people he made and loves – people His Son died for.
James 3 likens the tongue to a fire of sorts, able to corrupt a person and send his whole life up in flames (see James 3:5-6). God forbid! May all our words, whether in communication with God or man, bring honor to the Lord.
James 3:5-6
5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
Prayer for the Day
Father God, help me guard my heart as the wellspring of life -- and to guard my tongue, a potential wellspring of destruction. Let me take this teaching of Your Word seriously and use my tongue for good. In Jesus I pray. Amen.
Proverb for the Week
Proverbs 20:5
The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,
but one who has insight draws them out.
Are you memorizing this proverb?
• Your heart is deep; who, if anyone, have you trusted to draw out your purposes? Are any of them godly people?