For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the entire body as well. James 3:2 LSB
In James, chapter 3, James speaks of taming our tongues. Here in verse 2, he says that if we can control our tongues, we can control our entire body. In the verse before this, he demonstrates this by talking about how a horse can be controlled by putting a bit into their mouth. He goes on to say that great ships driven by strong winds are still controlled by a very small rudder.
In verse 5, he says the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it boasts of great things. He explains how a large forest can be set aflame by a small fire.
One small mouth or tongue can destroy marriages, friendships, and careers. This is why we must strive to tame it. Our words can have a huge impact. We never really know what someone else is going through. We never know what troubles they may be facing. We live in a world filled with evil where many people are on edge. An unkind word can be the spark that ignites the flame.
When my mom suffered from Alzheimer’s, she was usually the same loving mother she had been all my life. But there were a few rare occasions when she would snap at me. It was unsettling because this was not her nature. People told me they are this way with the ones they love and feel closest to. Now my mom didn’t mean to snap at me, I know. I also know there were times when she was frightened because of this disease. There were times when she realized what was going on and I know it troubled her. It was easy to overlook these times when she was upset.
But we are involved in relationships where the common language is hostile. We may be this way with the person we should be closest to like our spouse or our children. We may be facing stress at work or other areas in our lives and lash out at the ones we love.
Many times, we suffer in silence and endure problems without ever discussing them with someone else and then they mount until we find ourselves taking it out on someone else. In Matthew 12:34, Jesus said that our mouths speak out of that which fills our hearts.
It is difficult to tame our tongues, I know this all too well. But I have learned that if I get my heart right, my tongue will follow the lead. There are still times, however, when I allow my heart to become soiled, and that spills out of my tongue.
As Christians, the lost look to us. Some are judging just waiting for us to mess up. Some are wondering why we have the peace and joy we do. Hopefully, when they see us, they will want the peace and joy we have found in Christ.
Your tongue is usually what makes the first impression. People come to know what’s in your heart by the way you speak to them and others. Your words are important. Your tone is important. Carefully consider what you say and how you say it.
Ask God each day to fill your heart with the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to guard your heart. In Psalm 19:14, David said, “Let the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Yahweh, my rock and my Redeemer.” Let that be your prayer every day.
We will never reach perfection until we are at home in heaven with our Lord and Savior. But if we get our hearts right, our tongues will follow, and we can do a better job of imitating Christ (Ephesians 5:1).
Have a great day!