Lesson 4988

 (Lesson 4988) (09-27-25) 1st Peter 3:10-17 

   “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.” 

 

   Today’s lesson is about the power of the tongue and its contradictions. It describes the tongue as a fire that can corrupt the whole body and set the course of life on fire, being fueled by hell itself. As evidenced in today’s general conversation, the voice is full of deadly poison. With the same voice people bless God and then curse others who are made in His image. James pointed out the inconsistency of this, saying blessings and curses should not come from the same mouth, just as a spring cannot produce both fresh and poisonous water. In short, the passage shows the tongue’s destructive potential and the hypocrisy of using one’s own for both good and evil. ~