Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 25:11
Matthew 12:37
Words; since they flow from the heart, and indicate its character, verse Mt 12:34.Justified; shown to be righteous.Condemned; shown to be wicked. James 3:2-18
Offend all; we all offend in many things: of course, in the office of teaching also, where there is especial danger of our offending in word. This ought to deter us from forwardness in arrogating to ourselves this work.Offend not in word; as much as to say, Sins of word are so difficult to avoid that he who can keep himself from fault in this respect is a perfect man; one who has his appetites, passions, and all propensities of body and spirit, under wise control. Listeth; chooseth. As everlasting consequences depend upon the use of the tongue, all, and especially ministers of the gospel, should earnestly pray that they may always so speak as shall tend most to honor God and benefit their fellow-men. Is a fire; setting society in a blaze, like fire in dry matter.Defileth the whole body; when used in spreading moral pollution.The course of nature; produces universal destruction, like a general conflagration.It is set on fire of hell; instigated in its destructive courses by infernal spirits. The devil employs some men more than they are aware of; and things which they would start at, should they hear him utter them, they at his suggestion utter for him, and thus do his work and ripen to be companions with him and his angels. Bless we God; thus professing our love for him.Curse we men; thus showing that our profession of love towards God is empty and insincere. Compare 1Jo 4:20.Made after the similitude of God; bear his image as rational and immortal beings, and ought therefore to be the objects of our love. 11, 12. The stream must answer to the fountain, the fruit to the tree. The heart that sends forth the bitter water of curses towards men, cannot have the good water of love towards God. Its professions of love and praise must be empty and worthless. Who is a wise man; would any man show his wisdom? Let him do it by eagerly assuming the office of a teacher, and occupying his tongue with words of contention and bitterness, but by showing out of a good life his good works with meekness of wisdom; with that meekness and gentleness which always belong to true wisdom. Knowledge and wisdom, discretion and meekness, a good understanding of the Scriptures, and a life conformed to their precepts, are essential requisites in ministers of the gospel and guides of the church. Glory not, and lie not against the truth; by falsely boasting of these as the fruits of true wisdom, which is to slander God's truth. This wisdom; that which is envious, quarrelsome, and leads to contention. Pure; in its nature, and in its effects on the person himself and on others. All who are guided by heavenly wisdom will manifest a heavenly spirit; and none have reason to expect acceptance with Christ any further than they have evidence of likeness to him in their temper and conduct. The fruit of righteousness; that spirit which righteousness produces, leads peaceable men in a peaceable way to disseminate such views as tend to promote peace with God and peace with one another; thus bringing glory to God in the highest, and proclaiming peace on earth, goodwill to men.
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