MOUTHPIECE FOR GOOD AND EVIL.
By S. H. Carnahan
JAMES 3:10 says, “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing,” When a boy, in memorizing this scripture I thought it simply meant that some persons both pray and curse. But now I perceive that it means far more; that many who pray, return thanks, or ask the blessing, and say kind, helpful words, are also given to vain jesting, frivolous talking, and using unkind words, even if not to direct profanity or cursing. Our every act and word either gathers with Christ and is therefore a blessing, or scatters from Him and is a curse. God is the originator of every truth; but Satan is the father of lies. John 8:44. If we use God’s words in a right manner, we are assisting in His work; but in making a wrong use of them, even unintentionally, we cast a wrong influence. We may not make a lie, but if we repeat one we are surely guilty of telling a lie, as a man may not make counterfeit money yet may pass it. No fountain can yield both salt water and fresh, neither can a man serve two masters. Even that which would seem good of itself loses its effect upon the hearer when evil is heard from the same speaker. Wicked people themselves despise a “two-faced” individual. “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:8. The Lord does not want us to learn both good and evil, and act or teach the same; but only the good. It was the knowledge of evil with the good that brought the human race into sin and degradation. To the words first quoted in this article, the apostle adds, “My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” So let our motto be: “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.” Phil. 4:8. “For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Prov. 23:7.