“If anyone among you seems to be religious and does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is vain” (James 1:26)
Have you ever said something and wish you could take it back? I know I have many times. Most of us do not realize the power of our words. The Word of God is very clear on matters of the tongue. Improper use of the tongue can be very damaging. The not bridling of the tongue and being ready to speak of the faults of others is a sign of a vain religion. If one claims to be a Christian and does not know how to exercise control when it comes to the matter of speaking this person is delusional. In other words you are fooling yourself in regards to your walk with God.
James writes that the tongue is a small member but boast great things. “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.” (James 3:5). The word boast speaks of being prideful in the way we talk. Bragging about what we possess and who we think you are.
It is vital that we who profess the name of Jesus strive to practice self-control regarding our tongue. I like many others have been guilty of speaking out about those things that do not involve me. Let’s make a declaration this year to pray more and talk less. After all it is prayer that changes things and not our loose tongues.
The tongue can hurt or it can heal. It can bless or curse. It can speak life or it can speak death. Many underestimate the power of this small member of the body. “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”(Proverbs 18:21)
James 3:8 “But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” While the apostle does say no man can tame the tongue he is not suggesting it is impossible, but it is extremely difficult. In fact I would say without the grace of God we are embarking upon an impossible task. But with the grace of God all things are possible and we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.(Philippians 4:13) (Matthew 19:26) Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Don’t let the enemy trick you into speaking when the Holy Spirit is whispering “be quiet.”
Dr. Evelyn Johnson-Taylor
Scripture taken from NIV