Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! James 3:3-5
Learning to speak in two or three languages is not nearly as hard as learning to keep your mouth shut in one. Letting things go in one ear and out the other is hard enough, but what's worse is when things go in one ear, get all mixed up, and come out of the mouth! Our lives are plagued by the small part of the body which caused the fall of man.
Supervising our words is essential, and we desperately need the help of God for the wisdom to know: when to speak, what to speak, how to speak and to whom we are to speak.
Do you want to show your spirituality? James calls you to prove it by your ability to bridle your tongue.
Our words always speak louder than our religious rituals. Anyone can wear witness wear, come to church, put a fish icon on their rear bumper or listen to Christian music. But without a doubt, one of the greatest indicators of our faith, spiritual maturity and wisdom are the words that come out of our mouths. More harm has come to religion, family, government, and society by the tongue than any bottle, pill or gun. It is the sin of all ages of people. What does the Bible say about the spoken word?
1. The tongue’s size is deceptive. The tongue is the strongest muscle in entire body. A damaging word spoken in secret is much like a chigger bite. You can't see the damage until it gets serious. Have you ever said something, or heard someone else say something that just gets completely out of hand? It is amazing how fast words can be misconstrued and feelings hurt. Those lessons are the hardest to learn because once something is said, it can’t be taken back.
2. The tongue is impossible to tame. James refers to the tongue as a wild animal and speaks about how easy it is for men to tame wild animals, yet they cannot seem to tame their tongues. Let’s face it, our tongues are prone to the flesh in us. It is sometimes so quick to respond that we haven’t even realized what happened until it is too late. We would need to be continually self-disciplined and give a second thought to every word before it leaves our mouth. The Bible says the tongue is full of deadly poison. We should be compelled to be continually watchful to keep a lid on the poison.
3. The tongue contradicts itself. How can we use the same tongue to praise God and profess to be a believer and then turn around and curse, gossip, or hurt others with our words? If we praise God and then curse our neighbors, our praise to God is contradicted. As believers, we will make mistakes, sin, and have regrets. But when our hearts are compromised by anger, bitterness, and resentment, it will come out of the mouth. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. Matthew 12:37
Every word we speak is a container that is filled with something. Our words can be filled with love, joy, happiness and blessing or they can be filled with sarcasm, unbelief, all kinds of negativity, and even hate. We are to build people up, not tear them down! When used properly the tongue can mend fences, heal broken hearts and encourage those who are in need of encouragement. What will you spread today?
Proverbs 18:21.
