James 3:8 (KJV) says,
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
The Power of the Tongue
The tongue is a serious weapon that can be used in destructive ways.
How are we using our tongues?
Is it used to tear down others?
Is it used to cause division among others?
The tongue may be one of the smallest parts of our bodies, but it can say and do a lot.
The tongue can be the gateway to our perfection or destruction and of others.
The Need for Divine Help to Tame the Tongue
We have to be responsible with our tongues.
James warns us that the tongue is so unruly that not even man can tame it.
A man can tame animals—ships are so large but can be directed by a small rudder, yet the tongue, being small, can create a wildfire.
We cannot tame or control our tongues on our own accord.
We need the power of The Holy Spirit to help us.
The Dangers of a Manipulative Tongue
If we are not careful, we can operate in manipulation with our tongues.
We bless God one day and curse men with it the other.
James asks, “Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?”
We cannot allow our tongues to be wishy-washy.
It will either be filled with the word of God or not.
Holiness vs. Worldliness: A Choice for Our Speech
Worldliness and holiness cannot flow from the same fountain.
There is no such thing as a “cussing saint.”
It does not matter who claims it.
The Bible says light has no fellowship with darkness.
We cannot be saved and still have a filthy, uncontrollable mouth.
What did Jesus die a cruel death for if we can still be saved and live in sin?
What exactly did He save us from?
We must stop trying to make the word of God bend to our lack of submission to His truth and way.
The Tongue’s Role in Times of Trouble
Are we using our tongues to complain or praise God in times of trouble?
If we are walking in God’s ways, it should show in how we live and speak.
Challenges should not make our words turn sour.
They should not change the holy language we ought to speak as believers.
What example are we setting for non-believers if, in our anger, our tongues are reckless?
Reflecting God’s Will Through Our Words
Do our tongues reflect the will of God or our flesh?
Are our tongues set on fire for God or evil?
Are we allowing our tongues to be like a serpent? Spewing deceit, lies, gossip, rumors, and malice?
All it takes is ONE word to change someone’s life, for the better or worse.
We must not allow our tongues to get the best of us during heated moments.
The Lasting Impact of Words
Our tongues can cause irreversible damage that leaves eternal scars on the souls of men.
Words do hurt, and we must be cautious of that.
How often have we allowed our tongues to lead people away rather than towards Jesus?
Something to think about.
Guarding Against Evil Speech
Psalm 34:13 (KJV) encourages us to,
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
Evil should be far from our tongues as believers.
We are no longer allowed to be “humans.”
We are required to live by the Spirit.
Being a “human” is not an excuse to have a nasty and unruly tongue.
No matter the situation or what others have done, our tongues must reflect the heart of God.
Our tongues must be used for God’s glory.
The Tongue as a Reflection of the Heart
The tongue also reveals the heart posture of man.
What do our hearts look like? What are our hearts filled with?
We often try to cover our insecurities, bitterness, and envy with our tongues.
We must find healing and deliverance within ourselves before we see a change in how we use our tongues.
We must ask the Lord to purify our hearts, motives, and intentions so that our tongues reflect His will for our lives and others.
The Importance of Intent and Delivery
Also, we must consider how often it is not a matter of what was said but how it was said and the spirit behind the tongue.
We may be speaking the truth, but our approach can disqualify the message and meaning of what we are saying.
Examining the Fruits of Our Tongues
Let us take an inward look and analyze the kind of fruit our tongues are producing.
Are they of peace, humility, love, joy, and life or partiality, hypocrisy, pride, harm, envy, and death?
Take some time to reflect on these scripture verses:
Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Psalm 141:3 (KJV)
Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
Colossians 4:6 (KJV)
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Psalm 119:171-172 (KJV)
My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
Raphael R. Roker 