Today’s Post Written By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
“All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:7-8)
During my teen years I joined a 4-H club and began learning how to show horses for the county fair. Trying to manipulate an enormous beast with only a bridle and lead was an intimidating venture, and yet I found the horses were fairly easy to train. These animals must not realize their power and size, for if they did they would never allow humans to have such command over them.
“When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.” (James 3:3)
It’s interesting how man has command over a large beast, yet so little control over his tongue.
“Likewise 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. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” (James 3:5-6)
The tongue is one of the most difficult things to tame. Words can spill out of our mouths without much thought or deliberation. Verbal expression can be used as a weapon of destruction or balm for healing—depending on the circumstance.
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” (James 3:9-10)
When showing horses, I could twitch my wrist slightly to the right, and watch a creature five times my size turn immediately in response.
Why is it that we are able control a horse with small inflections of movement, while the tongue seems to have a mind of its own? How many times do we wish we could take back something we’ve said?
Raw emotions often drive the untamed tongue. Hurt, fear, rejection, and anger can set our tongues afire, and before we know it sparks fly out of our mouths. Cursing is not the worst of it. When a hurtful word spews from our mouth, it injures the spirit of others. That’s where the real danger lies. “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19)
“Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?” (James 3:11) Do you know what happens when fresh water and salt water collide? The water becomes brackish and murky. It’s no longer clear.
We want to point others to the living water of Jesus Christ, but we won’t be very effective in our witness if it’s clouded by untamed words.
It’s time to tame the beast!
“Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.
Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.” (Psalm 51:10-15)
