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NOVEMBER 22
Proverbs 29:2–3
2 When the righteous are in authority,
the people rejoice;
36:26,27 What was figuratively described in v. But when a wicked man rules, the
25 is explained as literal in vv.26,27.The gift of
the “new heart” signifies the new birth, which people groan.
is regeneration by the Holy Spirit (11:18–20). 3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his
The “heart” stands for the whole nature. The father rejoice,
“spirit” indicates the governing power of the But a companion of harlots wastes his
mind which directs thought and conduct. A wealth.
“stony heart” is stubborn and self-willed. A
“heart of flesh” is pliable and responsive. The James 3:1–18
evil inclination is removed and a new nature My brethren, let not many of you become
replaces it. This is New Covenant character as 3 teachers, knowing that we shall receive a
in Jeremiah 31:31–34.
2
stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many
things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he
good; and you will loathe yourselves in your is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole
own sight, for your iniquities and your body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths
3
abominations. Not for your sake do I do this,” that they may obey us, and we turn their
32
says the Lord GOD, “let it be known to you. Be whole body. Look also at ships: although they
4
ashamed and confounded for your own ways, are so large and are driven by fierce winds,
O house of Israel!” they are turned by a very small rudder wher-
5
33 ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “On the day that ever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a
I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will also little member and boasts great things.
enable you to dwell in the cities, and the ruins See how great a forest a little fire kindles!
34
shall be rebuilt. The desolate land shall be 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.
tilled instead of lying desolate in the sight of The tongue is so set among our members that
35
all who pass by. So they will say, ‘This land it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the
that was desolate has become like the garden course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.
of Eden; and the wasted, desolate, and ruined 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile
36
cities are now fortified and inhabited.’ Then and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been
8
the nations which are left all around you shall tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the
know that I, the LORD, have rebuilt the ruined tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poi-
places and planted what was desolate. I, the son. With it we bless our God and Father, and
9
LORD, have spoken it, and I will do it.”
37
‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “I will also let the
house of Israel inquire of Me to do this for
them: I will increase their men like a flock.
38 Like a flock offered as holy sacrifices, like the 3:6 tongue is a fire. Like fire,the tongue’s sin-
flock at Jerusalem on its feast days, so shall the ful words can spread destruction rapidly; or as
ruined cities be filled with flocks of men. Then its accompanying smoke, those words can
they shall know that I am the LORD.”’” permeate and ruin everything around it.
defiles. This means “to pollute or contami-
Psalm 131:1–3 nate” (Mark 7:20; Jude 23). the course of
A Song of Ascents. Of David. nature. Better translated “the circle of life,”
this underscores that the tongue’s evil can
L ORD, my heart is not haughty, extend beyond the individual to affect every-
Nor my eyes lofty.
thing in his sphere of influence. hell. A trans-
Neither do I concern myself with great lation of the Greek word gehenna (or valley of
matters, Hinnom). In Christ’s time, this valley that lay
Nor with things too profound for me. southwest of Jerusalem’s walls served as the
Surely I have calmed and quieted my burning fire. Jesus used that place to symbol-
2 city dump and was known for its constantly
soul,
Like a weaned child with his mother; ize the eternal place of punishment and tor-
ment (Mark 9:43,45). To James “hell” conjures
Like a weaned child is my soul up not just the place but the satanic host that
within me.
will some day inherit it—they use the tongue
3 as a tool for evil.
O Israel, hope in the LORD
From this time forth and forever.
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