Introduction:

1. Our handling of these “one another” commands has a big impact on our fulfillment of many other “one another” commands.

2. Failure to fulfill these will inevitably damage the body of Christ.

Discussion:

I. Speak No Evil (James 4:11)

A. James frequently urged cautious speech (cf. 3:1-12; 5:9).

B. Here he commanded not to speak evil of one another.

1. This does not condemn calling out sin (James 5:19-20; Luke 17:3).

2. This condemns malicious speech whether it be hypercritical (fault-finding) or slanderous (i.e., false accusations).

II. Do Not Grumble (James 5:9)

A. This sinful practice is much more subtle than the other.

B. The word used here carries a wide range of meanings:

1. “To sigh, to groan” (Thayer)

2. “To murmur, groan, grudge” (Strong)

3. “Give vent to querulous feelings, to sigh inwardly” (Mounce)

C. Because this is less dramatic, we are probably more likely to be guilty of it, and we are less likely to ever realize our guilt.

III. Practical Implications

A. People often downplay the power of words; God does not.

B. Failure in these areas is a failure of many other “one anothers.”

1. Is this loving one another?

2. Is this honoring one another?

3. Is this being patient with one another?

4. Would we confess our faults to such a one?

1. Such things have no place in the body (Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8).

2. Speech of this sort is hurtful and divisive.

3. May we guard our speech and so walk in wisdom (Colossians 4:5-6).