Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.
See how great a forest a little fire kindles!
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.
The tongue is so set among your members that it defiles the whole body,
and sets on fire the course of nature, and it is set on fire by hell.
For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.
But no man can tame the tongue.
It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
With it we bless our God and Father,
and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.
Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.
My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
James 3:5-10
Here James look at the tongue.
It is said the pen is mightier than the sword. Certainly many tyrants and dictators in the twentieth century believed that, because among the first to be sent to jail or put to death in revolutions are journalists and writers. Among the first things, they took control of was the media. The oppressors of the twentieth century recognized that words can build up or destroy.
In fact most if not all of the horrendous dictators and tyrants of history have been great orators. Able to use their tongue well. As have been some of the greatest leaders. One only has to look at Hitler and Churchill to see how words can be used for good or evil.
For the Christian I believe that it is of paramount importance to control the tongue as the eternal resting place of someone’s soul may be at stake.
This is what James is talking about when he refers to the tongue.
“Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so." James 3:19.
Sadly, all too many Christians curse more than they bless.
We don’t listen, we plunge headlong into our diatribe, following our well rehearsed ideological script and immediately, turn the person off, whether that person is a Christian or not.
Earlier in James 1:19, it states:
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;”
I know I can remember some of the most hurtful words that have ever been said to me. Even though, those words were said a long time ago and I forgave the person, when I hear them, they still bother me. Likewise, I can remember hurtful words I have said to others and regret deeply.
The converse is also true. I remember the word of praise given to me by many people. Especially, the words of the person who led me to Christ.
Something to think about.
Where do you fit in. Do you curse more that bless. Do you think about what you are saying and what effect it might have on the person you are saying it too.
How do you present Christ to the world. Are your words turning people to Christ or from Him?
Take a few moments to examine yourself. Is your tongue under control?
