The Bridled Tongue!

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

The tongue is the hardest member of the body to control and the last thing to be brought under control in one’s life. If there is a man in the bible who understands the implication of the tongue, there is no perfect example than apostle James. He is one of the brothers of Jesus (Mark 6:3). He is also one of the early apostles that were martyred.

He understands that if the tongue is not bridled, it can make one’s devotion of service to God useless and unprofitable. If anyone seems to be religious and bridle not his tongue but deceiving his own heart, that person’s religion is in vain. James 1:26. The key to maintaining and growing in godly life is to control our mouth and how we speak.

The one who is wise and grows in knowledge is the one who listens more than speaking. Ecclesiastes 5:2 says, “Be not rash with thy mouth.” Wisdom is manifested in how much one listens and not in how much one speaks. Wisdom is displayed when people consider their thought and word they will say before they speak.

From the key text, James further states that if one would be able to control the use of the tongue, then he would be able to control all his actions and thus not sins. However, most people sin by the use of their tongue, and no one can live without sin. James’s point is that no one can live without sometimes control of his tongue. Proverbs 21:23 says, “He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.”

Prayer:
1. Pray as you are led in the spirit
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to visit you with the power to control your tongue in Jesus’ name.