Taming the Tongue

Steel-wool Fire Spinning

Downtown Los Angeles, California

Think about this: A small flame can set a whole forest on fire. The tongue is a small flame of fire, a world of evil at work in us. It contaminates our entire lives. Because of it, the circle of life is set on fire. The tongue itself is set on fire by the flames of hell.

People can tame and already have tamed every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and fish. No one can tame the tongue, though. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we both bless the Lord and Father and curse human beings made in God’s likeness. Blessing and cursing come from the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, it just shouldn’t be this way!

 Both fresh water and salt water don’t come from the same spring, do they? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree produce olives? Can a grapevine produce figs? Of course not, and fresh water doesn’t flow from a saltwater spring either.

However, if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, then stop bragging and living in ways that deny the truth. ~ James 3:9- 12 and 14 (Common English Bible)

Managing the tongue is a spiritual discipline, just like prayer and fasting. Think about what the words you speak say about the condition of your heart. Your words can either heal a wound, or break someone's spirit. This is why James chapter 3 is so important. 

Resources for this post:

5 Ways to Tame Your Tongue

Transform Your Tongue