Seeds of Wisdom

CONTROL YOUR TONGUES

James 3:2 – “We all stumble and sin in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says [never saying the wrong thing], he is a perfect man [fully developed in character, without serious flaws], able to bridle his whole body and rein in his entire nature [taming his human faults and weaknesses].”

Today’s passage deals with something that determines many things in your life: your tongue. Your tongue is a very powerful thing - much more powerful than it looks. God’s Word says if you can control your tongue, you will be able to control yourself in other things. It says the tongue is a flame of fire that can ruin your whole life. You can be building with hard work and prayer and tearing down what you are building with your own words and nobody is cursing or fighting you! You would be fighting yourself.

Is your tongue causing enormous damage? Is it ruining your life by ruining your relationships? Are you saying things that hurt and damage people, pushing important people and helpers away? Determine in your heart to control your words. You will be tempted strongly and be pushed very hard. You will be provoked to say some things. Do not say what you want to say or what you are being pushed to say. Hold your action. When you happen to bring those words out, you will not be able to gather them back again. Always remember that provocations are often excused and forgotten, while reactions to them are remembered and discussed mercilessly. Your angry words will be remembered and used to judge you. Therefore, be sensitive and control your tongue.

Further Reading: James 3:1–18, Matthew 12:30–37

Prayer: Pray for wisdom to control your tongue.