A Wholesome Tongue is a Tree of Life

    So far we have discovered that wisdom (from above, James 1:5; 3:13-17) is a tree of life, beneficial to the one who has asked for it and uses it. In wisdom we acknowledge who God is and who we are before Him and we conduct ourselves accordingly, giving God honour and glory in all we do. We have also found that what we do as we humbly follow God's word and will, as we walk in righteousness, is a tree of life to those who observe us - we can benefit those wandering in darkness, by showing them a different way to live as we shine a light that directs them toward God's path, that points them toward Jesus (Matthew 5:13-16)!

    Today, I would like you to consider this passage:

"A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,

but perverseness in it breaks the spirit."

(Proverbs 15:4 NKJV)

    A wholesome, or healing, tongue is a tree of life, a beneficial, life-giving asset. A wholesome tongue, one that speaks truth in kindness, promotes hope and healing; has the potential to make situations better.

"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,

but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

(Proverbs 15:1-2 NKJV)

    James describes the tongue as "an unruly evil, full of deadly poison" (James 3:8). He goes on to state and to admonish, "Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren these things out not to be so" (James 3:10). We all hold within us the potential to heal or to harm, knowing this we need to train ourselves to only open our mouths with wisdom, kindness (Proverbs 31:26), and what is needed to promote spiritual growth in knowledge and holiness (Ephesians 4:29) so they too, may faithfully flourish!

    Where wholesome words provide an true oasis of good for the hearer, offering refreshment, comfort, and shelter (aka. a tree of life), corrupt words crash down on them like a dead tree in a windstorm, only causing devastating harm. Perverseness in the tongue (crooked, corrupted speech) breaks the spirit, it gives no sustenance, no help, no hope to the hearer.

    So, let us consider our words before we speak, "Will this help or harm? Will this promote holiness or hopelessness?" Let your words be beneficial and life-giving to those not walking on the pathway as well as they who are walking right beside you (Galatians 6:10)!  

"Walk in wisdom toward who are outside, redeeming the time.

Let your speech always be with grace,seasoned with salt,

that you may know how to answer each one."

(Colossians 4:6 NKJV)

You can do it! So can I!!