Project Description

2016/01

A Word to Women

“The tongue is a little member.” James 3:5

I love little things – tiny ornaments, for example. But some little things don’t thrill me; insects such as flies and earwigs come to mind! In James 3:5 we are told, “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” The tongue, although small, need not be bad. Our tongues were designed to praise the Lord, but sadly we use them often to complain, criticise and gossip.  James compares our speech to a fire.  How lovely on a winter’s night to light the fire and watch the flames spring to life and feel the warmth in the room! However, let a spark fall from an unguarded fire and a home and lives are at risk of destruction. Likewise our words can be comforting and warming, or unguarded and destructive.

Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Penninah (1 Samuel 1:2). Not an ideal situation to start with, but greatly aggravated by Penninah’s attitude towards Hannah.  Hannah’s childlessness was a grief to her, but she had to endure also the taunts of Penninah. The burden became unbearable and thankfully Hannah took it all to the Lord. Undoubtedly Penninah suffered as a second wife – Elkanah loved Hannah, and while generous to Penninah, Hannah was treated even more generously. Jealousy stirred Penninah to say cruel things to Hannah. Jealousy is often at the root of cruel words and actions. Potiphar’s wife could not seduce Joseph, so she made a false accusation against him. Jealousy is a form of coveting. The words that come from a jealous heart are sparks that burn and are in danger of causing much hurt and harm. We have all been hurt by insensitive words. Let us guard against using them.

It is great to have news to share.  In the parable, the woman who had lost a piece of silver was quick to share the joy of finding it with her friends and neighbours, (Luke 15:9).  However there is always a danger of sharing news which should not be told, or passing on detail that is biased or untrue. The story is told of a message sent through the trenches in the Great War. The original message was, “Send reinforcements, we’re going to advance”.  However the message received was, “Send three and four pence we’re going to a dance”! Many a message does not end as it started out. Thoughts and opinions are not facts. When we gossip we are on dangerous ground. Proverbs 16:28 warns that, “a whisperer separateth chief friends.” Mary “supposed” the Lord Jesus to be the gardener (John 20:15). What joy she experienced when He spoke to her and she realised her mistake! It is very easy to suppose things. A half-truth is a whole lie. With David we might pray, “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3)

The exhortation in Philippians 4:8 could be applied to not only our thoughts but also to our speech, “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

In poetic language, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11) If we resolve anything this year, may it be that our speech “be alway with grace, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6)

Olive Maxwell