For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
James 3:2-10
What a better place this world would be and what better witnesses we would be if we could all tame the tongue. This is an area I have always worked on and am still working to get better at. Sometimes I still slip and say things to others I should not and get frustrated with myself. I also find myself speaking negative words about myself when I am frustrated. These both need to stop. It is comforting to know as it says here in James that we all stumble, so I am not alone. However, words do so much damage I want to do better. We can’t do it on our own, but God can and will help us. This verse brings such conviction to me because it is so clear how much damage we can do with what we say. We can bless and curse with our words. We need to strive to only allow blessings to flow out. We want to bless God and all those around us, including our enemies and those who have hurt us. I know it is easier said than done. It honors God when we do though, and that is my heart’s desire.
We see in these verses that the tongue is a fire. What a vivid illustration. Fire is all consuming and destroys everything in its path. I certainly don’t want that. So, the big question is, how can we change what we say and speak. I believe the answer is found in the word of God.
Philippians 4:8-9 states ”Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
We also see in Matthew 12:34b-35, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.”
Therefore I would conclude if we speak out of the abundance of our heart, then we need to be filling our heart with good things such as listed in Phillipians 4. If we continually dwell on our pain, hurts, anger, and bad things that have happened to us, then we will speak evil and curses. Yet, if we focus on things that are true such as God’s word, His forgiveness, all the things that are praiseworthy, and all the blessings we have received, then that is what will flow out of our mouths. We need to take our thoughts captive (2 Cor 10:5). When we do this, we will speak life and not death (Prov 18:21).
Lord, I pray that you help me take my thoughts captive. I pray that your children would honor you by speaking blessings to all those around us. I pray that you will be glorified in our words. Lord, we can’t do it alone, but we know with you all things are possible. Thank you Lord for your goodness and mercy. May we show that to others as we walk out your word and speak to others. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Written by Rebecca Murzin
