In Need Of... Fresh Water.

I was reading the book of James tonight.... Some great stuff in there.
I came across some great verses that stuck out to me.

James 3:10-11 - Out of the same mouth proceed blessing an cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?

James is talking about "the tongue". Also known as, "things we say".

I know i have trouble controlling mine on occassion (as many can testify to). I also know i'm not the only one out there with that problem...

James says: With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God (2:9).

Striking the difference, and the hypocrisy. I use my mouth to bless God - the fresh water - and i use it to say mean things about the people He created in His image - the bitter/salt water.

I am ashamed.

As soon as i read that verse i realized how easy it is to do. I realized that, unwittingly, i probably do just that more than once a day. I realized that i probably cut people down more often than i praise God.

I am very ashamed.

I can only pray that God will help me to see what i am thinking to say before i say it... and pray that God will help me control myself........ and eventually...... i will not even think up bad things to say. I take God at His word when He says: ...God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you... (James 4:6-8)

So i draw near.