The Spark that Burns So Many Relationships

Fire & Spark by Gabor Palla - www.freeimages.com

Fire & Spark by Gabor Palla – www.freeimages.com

You are likely familiar with James’ discussion of the tongue in chapter 3 of his epistle.  I want to draw your attention to one verse from that section.

“And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.”  (James 3:6 ESV)

In studying this passage, I was struck by one greek phrase translated in the ESV as “course of life.”  The phrase involves two key words.  The first, trochos, refers to wheel or cycle.  The next is genesis which refers to our origins and birth.  Thus, it is well translated “course of life.”

James is saying the tongue interrupts, disturbs, and destroys the whole cycle of life.  The tongue messes up every stage of life for humanity  Though broader, James is certainly saying our tongues destroy and reek havoc on our family relationships.

Our little tongues, which we often give so little thought to, are the sparks that burn our life down.   The miserable and broken family relationships can often be tied directly to the work of the tongue.  Hurting innocent children are usually wearing burns from parents tongues.

Unless we learn to control our tongues, our whole wheel of life will be on fire!  

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1 comment

  1. So true. Fires are so destructive!

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