For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

• ."Humble Yourself in the Sight of the Lord" (our previous reflection)—great passage, and great song.
• True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that—it is spiritual transaction with the Creator of Heaven and Earth. – Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
• It is because of the hasty and superficial conversation with God that the sense of sin is so weak and that no motives have power to help you to hate and flee from sin as you should. – A. W. Tozer (1897-1963)

Historical background: In the three years before James died (59-62 AD) there were quarrels between the lower priests, who were aligned with the populace of Jerusalem, and the powerful Sadducean priests. They were at odds over social and economic issues. Josephus reports that the acrimonious debate was characterized by “name-calling.” He adds, “And when they clashed, they used abusive language and threw stones” (Ant. 20.180).

James 4:11-12

• Notice that we are back to the topic of the tongue:
• Slander. The ancient rabbis said: “He who slanders another thereby slanders God” and “Whosoever speaks against the true Shepherd is like one who speaks against God.”
• Judging.
• Words intended to hurt
• It is not in our power to save or to destroy.
• In the evangelical world. Matt 7:1 is now quoted more than John 3:16! To learn about the 12 types of judging in the Bible, please see Judge Not!

Next: The (Wannabe) Rich Fool