Empty words and thankful words《Ja 3:13-15; 1Co 1:18, 28-29; 2:1-5; Ecc10:20; Heb12:15; Eph 5:3-7》

Read <Jas 3:13>

1. Speak words that are wise and understanding.

* Parallel of 《1Co 1:18-2:5》 in context of giving the gospel.

1) How can we show our good conduct and works through words? (Reference 《1Co 1:18, 28-29》)

Read <1Cor 1:18>

(1) Warn our loved ones that they can judge wrongly about the gospel through influence of the wisdom of the world.

(2) Our responsibility to point them to think objectively and intellectually.

(3) Resist the feeling of inferiority or being despised in the opinions of men, as God does not will for the flesh can boast.

Read <1Cor 1:28-29>

2) Gentleness of wisdom (Reference 《1Co 2:1-5》)

Read <1Cor 2:1-5>

(1) Do not be tempted by worldly wisdom, but know the foolishness of the gospel in the eyes of men ever more before God.

(2) We must not worry for God, but we must pray in weakness, fear and trembling.

(3) Let it not be persuasive in the sense similar to what the world uses; let your words be set apart.

2. No one natural (in the flesh) has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Read <Jas 3:14-15>

1) Avoid bitterness of mind and speech.

(1) There will be reprisal.

Read <Ecc 10:20>

(2) The words indicate falling short from the grace of God.

Read <Heb 12:15>

2) The evil of jealousy and selfish ambition.

3) Demonic wisdom motivates Satan to thwart God's will.

3. All these are empty words, i.e. deceptive words, a contrast of what is giving of thanks.

Read <Eph 5:3-7>

1) Why thanksgiving?

2) Empty words are related with sexually immorality, impurity, greed, idolatry