Taming the Tongue (James 3:1-5)

[Romans_8]

1Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. [SIZE=+0]2[/SIZE] For we all stumble in many ways, and if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. [SIZE=+0]3[/SIZE] If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. [SIZE=+0]4[/SIZE] Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. [SIZE=+0]5[/SIZE] So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

It is the nature of a chat forum that we 'talk' to each other.... and while most of us are likely using a keyboard (or phone, tablet, touch screen), the idea is the same...

A few observations:

• This is a public (search-able) site....
• Everything you write in the forum can be seen by anyone, and indeed will likely be seen by quite a few people over time.
• Site visitors will see (and "hear") your comments and questions.... this in effect becomes part of your testimony.
• We each hold strong views on various topics... (some right, some wrong.... some just "off the top of my head").
• While an idea may be true, it may not be beneficial .... "So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." (Romans 14:19). Remember, some readers may not have reached the same level of maturity you (think you) have.
• Stating something in a Bible Discussion forum, as "fact", "belief" or as a strongly held "opinion".... may be interpreted by site members and/or visitors as teaching. If you 'publish' something in a public forum, with Scripture references and an explanation, you are effectively teaching your readers....

Now, read Verse 1 above again.

Be aware that you may be "judged with greater strictness".

Just a friendly reminder to think before you post.

 

[Yet]

That's why we'd better have scripture to back up what we teach. Many on this sight don't hold to that but would rather keep propping up the churches sacred cows.

 

[Brainfreeze]

1Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.[SIZE=+0]2[/SIZE] For we all stumble in many ways, and if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. [SIZE=+0]3[/SIZE] If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. [SIZE=+0]4[/SIZE] Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. [SIZE=+0]5[/SIZE] So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

It is the nature of a chat forum that we 'talk' to each other.... and while most of us are likely using a keyboard (or phone, tablet, touch screen), the idea is the same...

A few observations:

• This is a public (search-able) site....
• Everything you write in the forum can be seen by anyone, and indeed will likely be seen by quite a few people over time.
• Site visitors will see (and "hear") your comments and questions.... this in effect becomes part of your testimony.
• We each hold strong views on various topics... (some right, some wrong.... some just "off the top of my head").
• While an idea may be true, it may not be beneficial .... "So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." (Romans 14:19). Remember, some readers may not have reached the same level of maturity you (think you) have.
• Stating something in a Bible Discussion forum, as "fact", "belief" or as a strongly held "opinion".... may be interpreted by site members and/or visitors as teaching. If you 'publish' something in a public forum, with Scripture references and an explanation, you are effectively teaching your readers....

Now, read Verse 1 above again.

Be aware that you may be "judged with greater strictness".

Just a friendly reminder to think before you post.

great job, and very true ... Your words, your soul, is typed out on the screen and your comments and questions become part of your testimony. I agree with the rest as well, but I like how you expressed it all, thank you and God bless you.

 

[Romans_8]

Thanks for your replies and encouragement...

A few more thoughts on this:

"The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks". - Luke 6:45 (ESV)

8. ... The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Romans 10:8-10 (ESV) ... had to throw some more 'Romans' in there...


What is in your heart?

 

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

• While an idea may be true, it may not be beneficial .... "So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." (Romans 14:19). Remember, some readers may not have reached the same level of maturity you (think you) have.

Can you provide some edifying examples? While I agree to a certain extent, I can see this kind of mindset leading to paralysis.

 

[fredoheaven]

1Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.[SIZE=+0]2[/SIZE] For we all stumble in many ways, and if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. [SIZE=+0]3[/SIZE] If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. [SIZE=+0]4[/SIZE] Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. [SIZE=+0]5[/SIZE] So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

It is the nature of a chat forum that we 'talk' to each other.... and while most of us are likely using a keyboard (or phone, tablet, touch screen), the idea is the same...

A few observations:

• This is a public (search-able) site....
• Everything you write in the forum can be seen by anyone, and indeed will likely be seen by quite a few people over time.
• Site visitors will see (and "hear") your comments and questions.... this in effect becomes part of your testimony.
• We each hold strong views on various topics... (some right, some wrong.... some just "off the top of my head").
• While an idea may be true, it may not be beneficial .... "So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." (Romans 14:19). Remember, some readers may not have reached the same level of maturity you (think you) have.
• Stating something in a Bible Discussion forum, as "fact", "belief" or as a strongly held "opinion".... may be interpreted by site members and/or visitors as teaching. If you 'publish' something in a public forum, with Scripture references and an explanation, you are effectively teaching your readers....

Now, read Verse 1 above again.

Be aware that you may be "judged with greater strictness".

Just a friendly reminder to think before you post.

Jeremiah 15:12 Shall iron break the northern iron and the steel?

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.


CC is a Christian site, but there are lurkers with cultic mind that needs to be address of and if possible need to stop. We need to understand that it was the manner of Apostle Paul to “reasoned out of scriptures” Acts 17:2 while others have been checked, scrutinized and pointed out that have erred in the scriptures would seems appealed to others emotions. Are we not going to stand up for the truth and expose their teachings in the light of scriptures? Yes we need to address them for truth is absolute!

Now, if one is a Christian, we need to know that in a family there are still quarreling. For no one at the time can comprehend the sharp contentions between Apostle Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:39) but only it takes grace to understand them. “Iron sharpeneth iron” so chew the good and spew the bad.

God bless

 

[Euphemia]

Yep, just today I have been called a hypocrite and a liar more than once by people who are both Christians and one who was quite friendly since I have been here. That tongue does extend to the keyboard, and can cause hurt and anger just as easily.

That sure isn't in keeping with iron sharpening iron. It's more like breaking the head of another with a crowbar.



God can read.


James 3:5-6
In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. [SUP]6 [/SUP]And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.


.

 

[fredoheaven]

Yep, just today I have been called a hypocrite and a liar more than once by people who are both Christians and one who was quite friendly since I have been here. That tongue does extend to the keyboard, and can cause hurt and anger just as easily.

That sure isn't in keeping with iron sharpening iron. It's more like breaking the head of another with a crowbar.



God can read.


James 3:5-6
In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. [SUP]6 [/SUP]And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.


.

yea, tongue is like a fire that can spark tiny flames into a wild forest fire. Somehow, we need to cool it down.

God bless...

 

[Romans_8]

Can you provide some edifying examples? While I agree to a certain extent, I can see this kind of mindset leading to paralysis.

In what ways would pursuing peace and encouraging one another lead to paralysis?

I am not saying we should never teach.... just that we should be prepared (make sure, as far as you can reasonably know, that what you are teaching is correct.... if not, make that clear). And be aware that there are consequences for 'stepping up' as a teacher.

I am also not claiming we should never speak the truth (reprove, rebuke exhort, II Timothy 4), in love, where that needs to happen, but the Bible has some guidelines on how that should be done, ... in private, or in front of the congregation (if the person doesn't listen), but NOT in a public forum: These guidelines (for Pastors & Elders) are in the context of a church congregation, not the general public.

The original post was written in the context of a public forum and the potentially wide range of readers.

Some things may be 'lawful' (not sinful) for some people while becoming a stumbling block to others. We are instructed not to do anything that may cause a brother (or sister) to stumble. (1 Corinthians 10:23-33)

I also think some of us spend way to much time 'speculating' on various obscure doctrines and teachings when we should be keeping it simple.... Preaching the Gospel!

"20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." 1 Corinthians 1:20-25 (ESV)

 

[Romans_8]

Jeremiah 15:12 Shall iron break the northern iron and the steel?

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.


CC is a Christian site, but there are lurkers with cultic mind that needs to be address of and if possible need to stop. We need to understand that it was the manner of Apostle Paul to “reasoned out of scriptures” Acts 17:2 while others have been checked, scrutinized and pointed out that have erred in the scriptures would seems appealed to others emotions. Are we not going to stand up for the truth and expose their teachings in the light of scriptures? Yes we need to address them for truth is absolute!

Now, if one is a Christian, we need to know that in a family there are still quarreling. For no one at the time can comprehend the sharp contentions between Apostle Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:39) but only it takes grace to understand them. “Iron sharpeneth iron” so chew the good and spew the bad.

God bless

Agreed.

Note, I did not say we should NEVER teach, or correct, or rebuke.... Only that we should be aware of the fact that 'teaching' carries an increased level of responsibility (stricter judgment) and the inference that there may be consequences for wrong teaching.

I was also addressing the issue of quick "off the top of my head" responses that may not be correct.

In short: It pays to think, and/or pray, before you hit 'Post Quick Reply'.

 

[oldthennew]

collecting and prioritizing our thoughts takes a level of maturity that we should all strive for...
the privilege of sharing a part of ourselves with others is truly amazing, especially if we've
given our hearts to Christ and have stepped-up as His faithful soldiers....
there's no turning back after a commitment like this, it's the beginning of the most
wonderful, exciting, adventure imaginable.....

 

[Grace777x70]

The tongue..or in our cases here.."the typing" can set on fire a world of iniquity

Guys and gals..there is a massive difference between discussing points and being insulting and harsh and cruel....slanderous..malice is a big issue on these boards...

..some people go on the offensive and attack people personally ( on both sidesof a discussion)

and they do it under the disguise of " being truthful".. that's a load of garbage and is just an excuse to be malicious.... "simply because they don't believe like I do.."

Ephesians 4:31 (NASB)
[SUP]31 [/SUP] Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

Here is the second part that goes with the above scripture...

Ephesians 4:32 (NASB)
[SUP]32 [/SUP] Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

 

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

In what ways would pursuing peace and encouraging one another lead to paralysis?

I am not saying we should never teach.... just that we should be prepared (make sure, as far as you can reasonably know, that what you are teaching is correct.... if not, make that clear). And be aware that there are consequences for 'stepping up' as a teacher.

I am also not claiming we should never speak the truth (reprove, rebuke exhort, II Timothy 4), in love, where that needs to happen, but the Bible has some guidelines on how that should be done, ... in private, or in front of the congregation (if the person doesn't listen), but NOT in a public forum: These guidelines (for Pastors & Elders) are in the context of a church congregation, not the general public.

The original post was written in the context of a public forum and the potentially wide range of readers.

Some things may be 'lawful' (not sinful) for some people while becoming a stumbling block to others. We are instructed not to do anything that may cause a brother (or sister) to stumble. (1 Corinthians 10:23-33)

I also think some of us spend way to much time 'speculating' on various obscure doctrines and teachings when we should be keeping it simple.... Preaching the Gospel!

Sorry. I guess I wasn't clear enough with my question. I was looking for edifying examples of your statement "While an idea may be true, it may not be beneficial". I can see the term beneficial meaning different things to different people. While I agree with the concept, practical application of such is open to interpretation. That is why edifying examples would be helpful.

 

[Romans_8]

Sorry. I guess I wasn't clear enough with my question. I was looking for edifying examples of your statement "While an idea may be true, it may not be beneficial". I can see the term beneficial meaning different things to different people. While I agree with the concept, practical application of such is open to interpretation. That is why edifying examples would be helpful.

By "... may not be beneficial" I meant not helpful, encouraging, edifying, etc. I explained that further by including the verses in 1 Corinthians 10. "“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up."

Edifying examples would be those that encourage and build up....

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things". (Philippians 4:8)

"1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:1-3)

"4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:4,5)

In general terms, our words should be mainly encouraging, or at the very least helpful. Not disrespectful, hateful, disparaging, filled with malice or envy, etc.

 

[JosephsDreams]

In what ways would pursuing peace and encouraging one another lead to paralysis?

I am not saying we should never teach.... just that we should be prepared (make sure, as far as you can reasonably know, that what you are teaching is correct.... if not, make that clear). And be aware that there are consequences for 'stepping up' as a teacher.

I am also not claiming we should never speak the truth (reprove, rebuke exhort, II Timothy 4), in love, where that needs to happen, but the Bible has some guidelines on how that should be done, ... in private, or in front of the congregation (if the person doesn't listen), but NOT in a public forum: These guidelines (for Pastors & Elders) are in the context of a church congregation, not the general public.

The original post was written in the context of a public forum and the potentially wide range of readers.

Some things may be 'lawful' (not sinful) for some people while becoming a stumbling block to others. We are instructed not to do anything that may cause a brother (or sister) to stumble. (1 Corinthians 10:23-33)

I also think some of us spend way to much time 'speculating' on various obscure doctrines and teachings when we should be keeping it simple.... Preaching the Gospel!

"20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." 1 Corinthians 1:20-25 (ESV)

Excellent points. One of the better OP topics I have seen here. And presented in a fine manner.
Not much I can add to this, only to say, that on some threads there seems to be a cliquish or insular nature to them.
As Christians, we should be welcoming and open to "strangers".
Or if not, my advice is to just start their own private thread.

 

[Utah]

Of all my faults and shortfalls, having a sharp tongue is probably my worst. I despise those with Pharisaic attitudes, loathe politically correct thought police, and have a difficult time being diplomatic with such people. My saving grace is that I stand by God's Word, but I know I could do a better job sharing and defending it, i.e. be more loving. I'm from New Jersey, what can I say?

 

[JosephsDreams]

Of all my faults and shortfalls, having a sharp tongue is probably my worst. I despise those with Pharisaic attitudes, loathe politically correct thought police, and have a difficult time being diplomatic with such people. My saving grace is that I stand by God's Word, but I know I could do a better job sharing and defending it, i.e. be more loving. I'm from New Jersey, what can I say?

Don't let the proud and arrogant and ignorant and selfish deter you in your walk. I have sometimes been there myself.
It is very tempting to respond in a sharp manner, but these are those who have not Christ in their heart. They often have a worldly agenda when they speak, for they speak with the tongue of their father, the prince of the air. Sometimes they are not even aware of what they are doing or saying. Their minds are set on the things below.
They may have education, but no Godly wisdom.

I have found it is often better not to throw pearls before swine.
If you have to defend yourself, then do it in love. Remember Jesus said not a word when he was being questioned and accused before he was to be crucified.
God is being accused and ignored and slandered every second of every day, and he often keeps silent.
Pray, pray. pray for them. They need the prayers. Love them as best as you can, I know it isn't always easy, but it is easy to love those who love us.
We may need the prayers more then they do...

 

[oldthennew]

Utah,

how we love your honesty, it is refreshing, it is also a door to God's reality, for we are
to think on what is honest because an honest look at ourselves convicts us of what we are
to 'over-come' in order to be more like Christ.....

 

[crossnote]

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
(Luk 6:45)

And out of the abundance of the heart the finger types.

 

[Romans_8]

Now we're 'talking'....