Bible Review V15: October 1916 - March 1918 - Iapsop.com

204 BIBLE REVIEW Feb.
able to control the whole body." A perfect man if he
does not err in word, how can that be possible? The
tongue is only one member of the body, how can all the
members be perfect, if the tongue is perfect? For one
may have evil thoughts and that is not perfection?
True, but if one has evil thoughts no matter how
guarded, one will some day when off guard express
these thoughts. Likewise the feet are the understanding,
and if the understanding is wrong, some day the
tongue will express the wrong understanding of things.
So with the head, if the head does not reason correctly,
some day the tongue will _express those wrong deductions.
And if the heart does not love justice, mercy,
and wisdom, the tongue will finally express this lack.
Thus we might go on thru all the members of the body,
every thought that every member holds is exprest by the
tongue, some time or other.
So this statement does not
seem too strong after all, that if any man does not "err
in word he is a perfect man." Indeed it is a most comforting
and blessed thought; for when we have not erred
in word, then we have the assurance within ourselves
that we are perfect.
Not to err in word does not imply that our words will
always please others. For the words of the Christ certainly
did not please every one. It would be well for all
who have started to walk the narrow way, frequently to
ask themselves these questions:
Have we judged a brother or a sister harshly with our
words?
Have we condemned with our words?-justly or
unjustly. For who art thou that judgest another? Have
we indulged in railings or disputes or backbitings? Have
we given the soft answer to turn away wrath? Have we
sowed discord with our words?
Have we spoken unwise
words that have led another astray? Have we spoken
bitter and harsh words to the sojourner with us? Have