James chapter 3

[Richard OFfill]

This chapter hits where it hurts, at least for me. (note: to comment it is necessary to read chapter 3 )

[Slingshot]

I think too often that we use this scripture in the context of self control: In other words, it's OK to get mad as long as you can grit your teeth and not actually say anything.

God is calling us to a higher standard. Jesus said that it's not what goes into a man that makes him unclean. Rather, it's what comes out of him. These things begin inside us and their very presence is a problem, even if we don't say them.

[V. Hahn]

Very true, Slingshot.

[Raven]

I don't know where I first heard the expression, "Don't sweat the small stuff," but if we applied that principle in most areas of our life we would not be guilty of letting our tongue control us.  Most things are not worth mouthing off about, and most people don't really want to hear our 2 cents worth.  But here I go with my 2 cents worth.      We make mountains out of mole hills, and forget the counsel of James 1:19.  If we followed that counsel we would not be guilty of what James describes in chapt. 3:9,10.

[Larry Lyons]

I don't know where I first heard the expression, "Don't sweat the small stuff," but if we applied that principle in most areas of our life we would not be guilty of letting our tongue control us.  Most things are not worth mouthing off about, and most people don't really want to hear our 2 cents worth.  But here I go with my 2 cents worth.      We make mountains out of mole hills, and forget the counsel of James 1:19.  If we followed that counsel we would not be guilty of what James describes in chapt. 3:9,10.

I once saw a poster that read,  Dont Sweat the Small Stuff
                                                  (Its All small Stuff)  

When we look back from the perspective of heaven, at the difficulties that we encountered in this world  we will appreciate the truth of that expression.                                        

[Ed Sutton]

James 3:
1

[Richard OFfill]

14  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15  This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

Seems like this is about some homes and some churches. What would happen if we were to put this in the church bulletin every week.

[Raven]

14  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15  This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

Seems like this is about some homes and some churches. What would happen if we were to put this in the church bulletin every week.

I like that idea.  I will insert it in our church bulletin at some point; maybe at the beginning of next quarter when we start studying the fruit of the Spirit.

[Richard OFfill]

We need to realize that when these kinds of things come in, the Holy Spirit is out.

[Ed Sutton]

James 3:
13 ¶  Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
14  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15  This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
17  But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

EGW on James Chapter 3

     2. One of the Highest Gifts.--The talent of speech ranks with the highest gifts (MS 92, 1899).  {7BC 936.7} 
     (Ch. 1:26.) Power to Bridle the Tongue.--Through the help that Christ can give, we shall be able to learn to bridle the tongue. Sorely as He was tried on the point of hasty and angry speech, He never once sinned with His lips. With patient calmness He met the sneers, the taunts, and the ridicule of His fellow workers at the carpenter's bench. Instead of retorting angrily, He would begin to sing one of David's beautiful psalms; and His companions, before realizing what they were doing, would unite with Him in the hymn. What a transformation would be wrought in this world if men and women today would follow Christ's example in the use of words (RH May 26, 2025).  {7BC 936.8}
     8. See EGW on Psalm 5:5-12.  {7BC 936.9}
13, 14. Heavenly Fragrance of Truth.--[James 3:13, 14 quoted.] What is lying against the truth? It is claiming to believe the truth while the spirit, the words, the deportment, represent not Christ but Satan. To surmise evil, to be impatient and unforgiving, is lying against the truth; but love, patience, and long forbearance are in accordance with the principles of truth. Truth is ever pure, ever kind, breathing a heavenly fragrance unmingled with selfishness (RH March 12, 2025).  {7BC 936.10} 

15, 16 (Hebrews 12:15). Climbing on the Judgment Seat.--[James 3:15-18 quoted.] . . . He who opens his heart to the suggestions of the enemy, taking in evil surmisings, and cherishing jealousy, frequently misconstrues this evil-mindedness, calling it special foresight, discrimination, or discernment in detecting guilt and fathoming the evil motives of others. He considers that a precious gift has been vouchsafed to him; and he draws apart from the very brethren with whom he should be in harmony; he climbs upon the judgment seat, and shuts his heart against the one he supposes to be in error, as though he himself were above temptation. Jesus separates from him, and leaves him to walk in the sparks of his own kindling.  {7BC 936.11} 
     Let no one among you glory any longer against the truth by declaring that this spirit is a necessary consequence of dealing faithfully with wrongdoers and of standing in defense of the truth. Such wisdom has many admirers, but it is very deceptive and harmful. It does not come from above, but is the fruit of an unregenerated heart. Its originator is Satan himself. Let no accuser of others credit himself with discernment; for in so doing he clothes the attributes of Satan with the garments of righteousness. I call upon you, my brethren, to purify the soul temple of all these things that defile; for they are roots of bitterness.  {7BC 936.12} 
     How true are the words of the apostle, "Where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." One person in an institution or in a church who gives loose rein to unkind thoughts by speaking evil of the brethren, may stir up the worst passions of the human heart, and spread abroad a leaven of evil that will work in all who come into association with him. In this way the enemy of all righteousness gains the victory, and the result of his work is to make of no effect the Saviour's prayer when He pleaded that His disciples might be one as He is one with the Father (RH March 12, 2025).  {7BC 937.1} 
     17 (see EGW on John 13:34). The Right Kind of Sensitiveness.--Those who criticize and condemn one another are breaking God's commandments, and are an offense to Him. They neither love God nor their fellow beings. Brethren and sisters, let us clear away the rubbish of criticism and suspicion and complaint, and do not wear your nerves on the outside. Some are so sensitive that they cannot be reasoned with. Be very sensitive in regard to what it means to keep the law of God, and in regard to whether you are keeping or breaking the law. It is this that God wants us to be sensitive about (GCB April 1, 2025).  {7BC 937.2}

[Ed Sutton]

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I think about being angry at work last Wed.     


I just got jerked short - I need it - uncomfortably painful as it is.

I had better resume practicing memorizing psalms 32.

Anyone know where I can find Psalms 32 as a scripture song.  There's lots of times I need to sing and not talk.