Trouble with the Tongue

But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:8).

The Bible warns us that the tongue is hard to control. Gossiping, lying, speaking in anger, and bearing malice are all sins. It is wrong to say anything that could potentially harm another, even if it is true, unless it is said to help protect someone or told in a court of law. Christians are to be about showing love, working for peace, bringing about good, not being hurtful or sowing discord.

Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold, also the ships, which through they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things (James 3:3-5).

James compares the tongue to the rudder on a ship or a bit in a horse's mouth. Both are small objects that direct a much larger one,

and they set the course for things to come. Our tongues, not only direct our lives, but they direct the lives of others as well. We need to learn to use them to bring peace instead of stirring up trouble.

Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight (Proverbs 12:22).

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit therein (Proverbs 18:21).

Once something is said, it's out there and can't be taken back. The havoc ill-advised words cause cannot be erased. We've all had moments of saying something we later regret and didn't mean. But God wants us to think before we speak and let His Spirit be our guide. Christians shouldn't gossip, color the truth, slant things to make themselves look good and someone else look bad, or say any hurtful thing. 

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying that it may minister grace unto the hearers (Ephesians 4:29).

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips ( Psalms 141:3).

"When Jesus Christ is the Lord of the heart, then He is Lord of our lips too" (Warren Wiersbe, Be Mature, kindle loc, 1125). This is the key to controlling our tongue. We may not be able to do so on our own, but, if we give God control of our lives, we'll have all the strength we need. 

I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13).

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