Tame The Tongue
Not many
of you should become teachers, my fellow believers,
because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who
is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in
check.
When
we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the
whole animal. Or
take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong
winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.
Likewise, the tongue is a small
part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is
set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of
the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on
fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
All
kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have
been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless
evil, full of deadly poison.
With
the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings,
who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and
sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same
spring? My
brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither
can a salt spring produce fresh water.
James 3:1-12
Be careful of what comes
out of your mouth. The tongue can be a helpful or hurtful tool of the human
body.
Watch out for careless
speech. Words show attitudes and sometimes a lack of concern for others. Use
words that promote calm and peace.
Ask the LORD to help you
control your own thoughts and words. Strive to be a blessing to others, and to
lift them up so they may see your own goodness.
God is
always listening.
Our Daily Bread –