A Sweet and Bitter Fountain James 3:11

James continued to share with his readers concerning the power of the “tongue” and the destruction it can bring. Among the examples James' used to describe how small things move great objects were “the horse's bits”, “the ship's rudder”, and a “little fire”. In chapter three and verse eleven of his letter, James asked how a “fountain” could send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter”? We read:

Does a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

The verse begins, “Does a fountain send forth at the same place...” James began with the words, “Does a fountain” or “whether at all and perchance a spring or well fed by a spring” “send forth” which means “abound, gush forth and teem with juices ” “at the same” or “within itself” “place” which refers to “a hole through which one can see, an opening or an aperture ”. James caused his readers to consider the water that comes from an opening in a “fountain” or “spring”.

The verse goes on to say, “...sweet water and bitter?” James added, “sweet water” which means “not sour or without salt” “and bitter” or “harsh and virulent”. James knew his readers would easily know the answer to this question as “fountains” either produce “sweet or bitter” waters but not both at the same time.

When we think through these words of James, we are reminded that our mouths are like a “fountain”, and our words like water flowing. As the “fountain” sends forth either “sweet” or “bitter” water and not the two combined, thus must our “mouths” be. Only by submitting to the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord will our “mouths” be brought under control that we might pour forth “sweet” words rather than “harsh and virulent” ones. May the Holy Spirit convict us in the area of speaking, and may we learn to speak as Jesus desires to everyone we encountered.

Next time James refers to a “fig tree” and a “vine”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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