The Tongue

² For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. ³ Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. ⁴ Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. ⁵ Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.
See how great a forest a little fire kindles! ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. ⁷ For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. ⁸ But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. (James 3:2-10, New King James Version)

It is astonishing that such a small organ as the tongue can posses so much power. Like a rudder on a ship, the tongue can controls the coarse of the whole body (James 3:4). How quickly a sharp word can stur up fighting and strife, and how easily a kind word diffuses anger (Prov. 15:1). The tongue is an instrument that can be used to praise or and to curse men (James 3:9). Men can teach bears to ride tricycles and lions to jump through hoops, but the tongue is a wild, untamable beast (James 3:7-8).

Controlling the tongue is a struggle common to all mankind. We all stumble over our tongues. How many forest fires have been started by the spark of the tongue? I have always prided myself in my ability to restrain my tongue. Though it may not be apparent from reading this blog, but I am a man of relatively few words. To my recollection, I have never been accused of talking too much.

However, keeping my tongue from evil and my lips from deceit (Psalm 34:13) is only half the equation. Scripture also teaches that I am not only to avoid sin, but I am to use my tongue for good. In other words, instead of just keeping my mouth shut, I am to take action, using my words to serve others for God’s glory. My speech should not be just non-sinful (neutral), it should be actively positive.

Scripture commands that out words be:

Full of Grace

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. – Colossians 4:6

Words from the mouth of a wise man are gracious, while the lips of a fool consume him.-Ecclesiastes 10:12

Pleasant

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. –Proverbs 16:24

Appropriate

A word fitly spoke is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. –Proverbs 25:11

Edifying

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. –Ephesians 4:29

Our mouths should be a spring of fresh water. Not evil or unwholesome and not merely neutral, but actively righteous and good.

for His glory,

DJ