“But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8 ESV).
James used very strong language to describe the destructive potential of the human tongue. He compared it to a small rudder that steered a great ship and a spark that set a forest ablaze. He observed that humanity had tamed many wild animals, but no one had successfully tamed the tongue. He wrote that it had been “a restless evil,” revealing how often words caused division, pain, and destruction. Yet, James also pointed to the inconsistency of the tongue, noting how people used it both to bless God and curse those made in His image. His emphasis fell on the impossibility of self-control over our speech apart from divine intervention.
We can recognize today how powerful our words are. They can build up or tear down, heal or harm. We can admit that in our own strength, we aren’t able to tame our tongues. We might restrain ourselves for a time, yet when stressed, offended, or angered, our spoken words often reveal our true heart condition. Therefore, we need more than better discipline, we need a new heart. Only by being born again through the Spirit of God do we receive a new nature and a new spring from which good and gracious words may flow. We choose to yield our tongues to the Lord, asking Him to fill our hearts with His wisdom and love, so that our speech consistently edifies others and glorifies Him. The power of the tongue is great, but God is greater. As we daily submit to Christ, He can give us the power over our words.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we confess that we cannot tame our tongues apart from You. We ask that by Your Spirit You renew our hearts, so that our words spring from Your love and truth. Help us use our tongues to bless You and build up others. In Jesus’ name, amen.