Today’s reading: James 1:26; Proverbs 17:27

I like the straightforward approach of the book of James. One of the primary topics found in this book is instruction about what we allow to come out of our mouths. James hits this hard in James 3, but we get a little sample of that teaching here in chapter 1:

“If anyone things he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless” (vs. 26).

This verse clearly communicates that we need to be aware of and control our thoughts, emotions and ultimately the words we speak as a result. What comes out of our mouths reveals much about who we are. Reading James 1:26 prompted me to turn to Proverbs to look at some other verses about our speech. Proverbs 17:27 parallels today’s verse from James well.

“Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding” (Proverbs 17:27).

What do these two verses convey about the importance of being controlled and disciplined in how we interact with and respond to others? What do they communicate about the relationship or correlation between having control of our emotions and words and our spiritual maturity? Tami

Source: Tami’s Blog