---------------- OUR DAILY BREAD Thurs., Aug. 24, 1995 ---------------- READ: Proverbs 26:20-28 PUT OUT THE FIRE! "Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases." -- Proverbs 26:20 To extinguish a fire, you must remove one of the essential elements needed for combustion. For example, eliminating what is fueling the blaze is a method often employed in fighting a forest fire. A controlled backfire is started from a cleared line ahead of the advancing flames. When the two fires meet, no timber is left to burn. The Bible tells us that for lack of wood, "the fire goes out" (Prov. 26:20). This refers to extinguishing something much more devastating than the combustion of physical elements. It's the fire of an irresponsible tongue and the resentment and pain that burn in the hearts of those who have been seared by its heat. What deep and lasting wounds the tongue can inflict on others! Families and friendships have been disrupted and individuals hurt for life because of the effects of backbiting and slander. How necessary it is for God's people to eliminate from their conversation all thoughtless words! This would prevent many of the fires that ruin relationships. By yielding our tongue to the Lord Jesus, who alone can control it, we can put out the harmful fires of slander and gossip. -- Martin R. De Haan II How many fires have swept the land And left an ugly scar! But of the blazing flames that burn, The tongue's the worst by far. -- Anon. ------------------------------------- THOUGHT FOR THE DAY ------------------------------------- Better to bite your tongue than to have a biting tongue. ---------------------------------------------- THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Jeremiah 21-23 ============================================================= Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1995, used by permission of Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA. ODB files are being archived at ICLnet by arrangement with Radio Bible Class. RBC is presently developing its own servers and we look forward to RBC's official presence here on the internet in the near future. Written permission to distribute must be obtained from Radio Bible Class. RBC provides a variety of Bible resources, which are free of charge. RBC is not funded by any group or denomination, and support comes voluntarily from its Members and Friends. Write for more information, or call 1-800-598-7221. Thanks to Ken Foster for establishing the email list from which this copy of Our Daily Bread originated. A subscription is also available from the "ODB List". RBC publications are also available at The Gospel Communica- tions Network: http://www.gospelcom.net/rbc/odb/. - ICLnet ============================================================= ------------------------------------------------------- file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db950824.txt .