Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. (James 5:9 ESV)
Some Biblical principles are easy to understand, but difficult to apply. James 5:9 is one of those verses that is easy to understand, regardless of the translation you are using, but is certainly challenging to apply in everyday living.
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, (ESV)
Do not complain, brethren, against one another, (NASB)
Grudge not one against another, brethren, (KJV)
Murmur not against one another, brethren, (YLT)
Simply put, we should not grumble, complain, or murmur against others.
Our words, when used inappropriately, can be hurtful and destructive to others and to ourselves.
And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. (James 3:6 ESV)
so that you may not be judged;
We will be held accountable for our words.
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37 ESV)
behold, the Judge (Jesus) is standing at the door.
Remember, Jesus hears our words and knows our thoughts.
O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. (Psalm 139:1-4 ESV)
James 5:9 reminds me of one of the verses of a song I learned as a child.
O be careful little mouth what you say
O be careful little mouth what you say
There’s a Father up above
And He’s looking down in love
So, be careful little mouth what you say
Summary: Don’t grumble.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8 ESV)
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