One Mouth, Double Dealings

Our meditation scripture today is from James 3:10-12 (TPT):

“Out of the same mouth we pour out words of praise one minute and curses the next. My brothers and sisters, this should never be! Would you look for olives hanging on a fig tree or go to pick figs from a grapevine? Is it possible that fresh and bitter water can flow out of the same spring? So neither can a bitter spring produce fresh water.”

One mouth, double dealings—that’s what I call it! And trust me, I am no saint. I have realized that whenever I make a conscious decision to guard my words and speak only wholesome things, that’s when the greatest temptations come. It’s almost as if the enemy is waiting for the perfect moment to test my resolve.

Has it ever happened to you?

I remember a particular day in 2022 when I had set aside time for fasting. The day was going beautifully. I spent the morning in prayer, my spirit was uplifted, and I was enjoying sweet fellowship with God. As I wrapped up my workday and drove home, I was looking forward to concluding my fast with worship, Bible study, and a good meal.

And then—it happened!

I was just one traffic light away from home when a driver suddenly swerved into my lane without indicating. I had to slam on my brakes and honk to avoid an accident. Instead of acknowledging his mistake, the man cursed at me! I was in my lane, and yet, he had the audacity to get angry? Before I could think, I found myself cursing back!

The moment the words left my mouth, I felt disappointed in myself. I had allowed frustration to override my self-control. I had let my guard down. I had given the enemy a foothold.

The truth is, the devil is crafty. He knows how to push our buttons, especially when we are striving to do the right thing. But as children of God, we must be wiser. Self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and it is something we must practice daily.

So today, I encourage you (and myself) to be mindful of our words. Let’s strive to be a consistent fountain of fresh water, not a mix of fresh and bitter. The words we speak reflect the state of our hearts. May our mouths be instruments of praise, edification, and grace.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to guard my tongue and walk in self-control. Let my words be pleasing to You and edifying to those around me. When temptation comes, give me the strength to respond with grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.