Two Kinds of Fire        

   We feel for the Californians who have lost homes in forest fires. Whether ignited by lightning or a small spark, terror by fire is the same. People in harm's way must be be praying for rain.

   In the Bible, James speaks of a different fire.
 

The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.

It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire,

and is itself set on fire by hell.

James 3:6

   

   He continues, All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 

  
Two Kinds of Wisdom   

   James calls bitter envy and selfish ambition sources of the tongue's fire. He notes that any of us may harbor such thoughts, but warns: ...such "wisdom" is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 

   Was he describing human ways throughout history? We say, yes. 

   But, he continues, the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; 
 then peace loving,    considerate,    submissive,    full of mercy and good fruit,       impartial and sincere. 

   Something to think about next time we see videos of raging forest fires.

      Jimmy