“a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord among brethren” (Proverbs 6:19).

In Proverbs 6, Solomon spoke of attitudes which the Lord hates and seven which are an abomination to him. They include, a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plans wicked schemes, feet that are in a hurry to do wrong, a false witness who speaks lies and a person who creates disunity within a family or community. James also cautioned us about negative behaviours and warned against the consequences. “For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind” (James 3:16). Earlier in the chapter, James warned about taming our tongues, which is described as an unruly member of the body. Everything under the sun can be tamed, except the tongue which is like set ablaze like a wild fire. What disturbed James was that members of the church use their tongues to release both blessings and cursing.

“From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:10). James spoke about having godly wisdom which required meekness. He warned against bitter jealousy and selfish ambition which sometimes led to lying. This kind of prideful behaviour was not characteristic of the wisdom from God, but was unspiritual and demonic. Where there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there is disorder morally degrading practices. “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17). The seed of righteousness is spiritual maturity is sown in peace by those who are peacemakers.

James continued to warn in chapter 4 against worldliness and strife. “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you” (James 4:1)? He said that when people had desires which were unfulfilled, they committed murder. Covetousness also led to fights and quarrelling. People were covetousness about things which they did not have because they didn’t pray and ask God to provide. Sometimes people do pray and ask God for material things, and didn’t receive at times because their desires for it wasn’t pure. James called for a separation from the world and secularism as a love of the world created a separation from God. God wants our hearts to remain pure so that the Holy Spirit can live in us. God has given us his grace to remain humble as God hates pride.

Both Solomon in the Old Testament and James in the New Testament, outlined attitudes and traits that are not pleasing to God. We are not perfect and we sometimes struggle with bitterness, resentment and forgiveness. The reality is that as long as we are alive, there is an opportunity for someone to offend us. Offence is a choice, it is a spirit and we choose whether or not to hold unto offences, grudges and ill feelings. Envy, pride, anger, arrogance, lying, slander, backbiting and malice are all evil works of the devil. When we experience offences, we need to pray for those who offend us and where possible speak the truth in love. God will not hear our prayers when we harbour bitterness in our hearts. We all have weaknesses and shortcomings and often fall short of the glory of God. As he is merciful and forgiving, we have to forgive others and continue to walk in love.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:7-8).

A.P.-Y.

Published by Anneta Pinto-Young

I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession. Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm. I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing. I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.

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