12. THE DESTRUCTIVE POWER OF WORDS

27 January 2013
Steve Grant
Series on The Epistle of James
James 4:11-12

THE DESTRUCTIVE POWER OF WORDS

The two verses before us can seem extremely harsh. And it would seem doubly so within certain evangelical circles which only want to preach about Jesus’ message of love and encouragement. However, James’ message, despite the rebuke contained within it, can be very encouraging. In the last two passages, we have seen James provide the ingredients for humble and submissive living that brings peace with God and one another.

And following immediately after those messages of humility comes this scathing rebuke against evil speech. Thus, it is fair to conclude that humbling ourselves before the Lord and being lifted up by Him, according to James’ teaching, has a direct relationship with what we say to each other and how we say it. If we want to draw near to God, and want Him to draw near to us, we are not to speak evil of one another.