TOPIC: BRIDLED TONGUE

TEXT: JAMES 3:1-18


KEY VERSE : “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body” (JAMES 3:2).


Silence is the ultimate weapon of power”, says Charles de Gaulle. “Silence is one of the hardest arguments to refute”, notes a philosopher. Research findings have shown that one-fifth of our lives on earth is spent on talking.

James, in the text being considered, admonishes us about the tongue. He calls it an untamed, unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Man has tamed every kind of animal. Yet, the human tongue remains untamed. It may be used to bless or curse. That is why the apostle concluded that if anyone is able to bridle his/her tongue, he/she is a perfect person.

Though concealed in the mouth, the tongue is the most reliable reflection of the true nature of a person. The inability of the natural man to tame the tongue lies in the inextricable connection that exists between the tongue and the heart; “for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34). It shows clearly who we are and to whom we belong. We cannot claim to be true Christians if our words are sharp and critical; if men and women, including our spouses, are discouraged or cry in the secret because of our utterances. Neither can we claim to be true disciples of Christ if we spend our time gossiping and backbiting against others.

Naturally, man cannot effectively control his tongue and make it a blessing to people. But if you fully surrender your heart to God in total repentance, He will forgive and cleanse your sins, touch your heart as well as transform your tongue.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The tongue is tamed when the heart is transformed.