Fresh Water and Bitter Water

James 3:11  “Does a fountain send forth simultaneously from the same opening fresh water and bitter water?”  
 
James uses the picture of a fountain to teach consistency.  A healthy fountain produces clean water.  In the same way, believers should be consistently producing words that refresh, strength and heal.  
 
This does not mean we never correct people or speak the truth, but even correction should flow from love and wisdom rather than irritation and anger.

None of us have “arrived” and we have much to learn from these insights from God’s Word.  
 
Those around us should never have to wonder whether our words will refresh them or wound them, depending on our mood that day.  

With consistency there is power to control our tongues with the help of the Holy Spirit.  
 
Wisdom Statement:   “Wise words refresh people instead of draining them.”