Most of us reading this command will not automatically think of ourselves in connection with such clear violations of integrity as these words indicate.

Consider the fascinating word grumble. At first glance it seems like such a minor violation of gracious speech. What’s the big deal? Why does Paul command us not to grumble? Because it is a seed-sin. It acts like a mustard seed. From it, bigger things grow. Grumbling yields fruit. Its fruits lead to more serious sins.

We all have our favorite passages of Scripture. These two are among mine. Matthew 5:37: Let your ”Yes” be ”Yes.” and your ”No,” ”No.” (NIV) Later James quotes his brother almost word for word. James 5:12: Let your yes be yes and your no be no. (RSV)

The two brothers, Jesus and James, left the church with many of the same messages, exhortations, and commands. One signature tune they share is this: Listen.

Most are familiar with the tradition behind Jesus’ words in the above passage. Many sermon illustrations have explained the right of Roman soldiers in Palestine to compel any citizen to carry their equipment for a mile. To enforce the practicality of the life he would have his hearers lead, Jesus said to carry the burden two miles instead.

Speaking and listening are intrinsically linked. Not only are the tongue and the ears physically located in close proximity--the back of the tongue and the two inner ears all function within a couple inches of each other--their seemingly opposite function is not opposite at all. They represent the two sides of the same coin.

It may seem to some as if we have been talking about gracious speech all along. Now we come to a series of ten commands all focused on Christian speech. What more is there to be said? Is the manner in which we talk and use our tongue really of such importance? Yes.

Some of the commands are more difficult to write about, and personally for me to feel that I have laid hold of in a helpful way, than others. This is one of those.

Giving comes in many forms. The least important may be financial giving. That is not to say that financial generosity is unimportant, only that it may be far down the list of virtues emphasized in the New Testament.

Humility in our day has fallen on hard times. Such can be said for most of the attributes of Christlikeness. But humility is especially embattled. The contrast between the world’s perspective and that of Jesus is drawn with yet starker clarity when we substitute the word Jesus used to describe humility--meekness.