From TV courtroom dramas to the dreaded Jury Summons, we all have some familiarity with the justice system.  We may think of the judge as being the one to render the judgment, but actually the judge is just there to make sure the law is followed.  The jurors are the ones to make the final decision.  

 

Outside the courtroom, however, we make judgements all the time.  Unfortunately, sometimes these judgements can be unkind or harsh evaluations of other people.  It’s one thing to allow thoughts like this to rattle around in our heads.  Worse yet is to speak these things out loud, that’s when we truly become judge, jury and executioner.

 

In James 4:11-12, our author once again takes up the topic of speech.  His only command in these verses is to 1) Steer Clear of Critical Speech.  With the remainder of the passage, he shows us that 2) Critical Speech Causes Problems for the Speaker.  The last thing we’ll consider are 3) Four Ways We Can Avoid Critical Speech.

 

We need to reject a harsh, judgmental attitude, and the critical speech that comes from it.

 

 

James 4:11-12

Sept. 3, 2023

 

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