“The tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison,” James 3:8.
How many times in life have we had to admit, ‘I shouldn’t have said that?’ As much as we desire to say only good and wise words, we can still be reckless in saying things that are better left unsaid. “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh,” Luke 6:45.
Today’s key verse states that no man can tame the tongue. It is unruly and full of poison. Realistically, this is not a problem of the tongue but of the heart. The tongue and the heart are so potent they can quickly kill relationships, destroy families, end a marriage, cause children to rebel, and cause one to take one’s life. However, God wants us to use our tongue and heart to encourage, strengthen, and exhort.
“If we can encourage others, we should encourage them. If we can give, we should be generous. If we are leaders, we should do out best. If we are good to others, we should do it cheerfully,” Romans 12:8.
It’s important that we operate in the wisdom of God for it makes us pure and gentle. “If God’s wisdom makes us pure, peaceable, and gentle let us,” James 3:17. Our words must be as pure and peaceful as the word of God. Refrain from speaking words that you know will wound others. Consider yourself before you speak.
Today, hold your tongue from gossip. Today, hold your tongue from everything untrue. Today, hold your tongue from complaining. Today, hold your tongue from anything impure. If you want your speech to be clean and pure, salvation from God is your only cure. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue and they that love it shall eat of the fruit thereof,” Proverbs 18:21. Speak words with your heart that will build a person up and never destroy or tear them down.
