We usually think about sin as coming from some craving or desire on our part that leads to things like sexual indiscretion, over eating or drinking. The Bible describes an even more ominous avenue to sin in the human tendency to division and discord. For St. James the primary instrument sowing discord is the tongue. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. He describes the tongue as like the rudder of a ship that can point us in one direction or another. Today provides an opportunity to monitor our speech — are we using it to build up or to tear down?
