So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.

How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue – a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.

James 3:5-12

Our words have an effect on others. When we speak evil, we not only reveal the sin in our own hearts, but we also reinforce that evil and cause it to grow. Our untamed tongues corrupt us. It does not have to be that way. When we refuse to give impression to impure, unkind, ungodly thoughts, we begin to choke and strangle the evil in our souls. We must guard our mouth.

Whoever guards his mouth and tongue

keeps his soul from troubles.

Our Daily Bread – April 15, 2004