DRAWING NEAR
June 4
Be Slow to Speak
"Let everyone be . . . slow to speak" (James 1:19).
It is reported that when the Scottish Reformer John Knox was called
to preach, he shed many tears and withdrew himself to the privacy of
his room. He was grieved and greatly troubled at the prospect of such
an awesome responsibility. Only the compelling grace of the Holy
Spirit Himself enabled Knox to fulfill his calling.
John Knox understood the importance of being slow to speak. He knew
that God holds teachers of the Word accountable for what they say,
and will dispense a stricter judgment to them if they violate their
ministry (James 3:1-2).
In one sense, God holds everyone accountable for what they say. You
are to "let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only
such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the
moment, that it may give grace to those who hear" (Eph. 4:29). But
being slow to speak doesn't refer to vocabulary or opinions. It
refers to teaching the Word. You are to pursue every opportunity to
hear God's Word, but exercise reluctance in assuming the role of a
teacher. Why? Because the tongue reveals the subtle sins of one's
heart and easily offends others (James 3:2).
Does that mean you should never teach the Bible? No, because God
commands every believer to "make disciples . . . teaching them to
observe all" that Jesus taught (Matt. 28:19-20). And
the Spirit gifts many believers to be preachers and teachers of the
Word. Paul said, "I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not
preach the gospel" (1 Cor. 9:16).
You must take every opportunity to share the gospel with others, and
if God has called and gifted you to teach the Word, be faithful to do
so. But remember, those are serious and sacred responsibilities. Be
sure your motives are pure and your teaching accurate. If someone is
offended, let it be by the convicting power of the Word, not by
something you said at an unguarded moment.
Suggestions for Prayer:
Ask the Lord to teach you to guard your tongue and to speak only what
is edifying to others.
For Further Study:
Read Proverbs 10:19, 13:3, 17:28, and 29:20, noting what each teaches
about wise speech.
Drawing Near, Copyright 1993 John F. MacArthur, Jr.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
http://www.gty.org
~~~
James 3:1-2
3:1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that
we shall receive a stricter judgment.
2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in
word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.
Matthew 28:19-20
19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;
and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Proverbs 10:19
19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who
restrains his lips is wise.
Proverbs 13:3
3 He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide
his lips shall have destruction.
Proverbs 17:28
28 Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he
shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.
Proverbs 29:20
20 Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a
fool than for him.
These devotions are posted with permission from John MacArthur's
first (1993) devotional work, _Drawing Near_, and they are also sent
out daily for free to several folks via e-mail.
In addition, John's second (1997) devotional, _Strength for Today_,
is also available free via e-mail only. _Strength for Today_ follows
the same format as what you have seen here from _Drawing Near_, but
with different monthly themes.
If you would like to receive daily devotions via e-mail from either
of these series, just let me know (via e-mail), and I will gladly add
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In Christ,
Peter
Peter G. Chase :: Columbus, Ohio, USA
pchase@wowway.com
STOP! Who do you think Jesus is?
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There is a living God. He has spoken in His word. He means just what he says, and will do all that He has promised. - Hudson Taylor
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