"Sing -- or RING -- psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs!"
For the last week, I’ve been posting on the tongue-taming passages in James 3. Now seems like a good time to mention that the wise use of the tongue does not mean the refusal to use good words at all. James is pressing us on wisdom, and most of us need reminding that our default nature is to use our tongues unwisely.
The Bible is clear, however, that silence is not always wise. Today’s challenge: read the following verses and make a list of all the ways we are called to use our mouths. Then pray about what types of wise words God might call you to speak today.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:29-32
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:15-21
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17
Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. I Timothy 5:1-2
“So watch yourselves. “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.” Luke 17:3.
