Many of us have said things we regret having said. It is impossible to recall the spoken word. We can be sorry and apologize to those we offend as a result. However, we cannot erase or delete the fact that we said it. God, our creator, gave us two ears and one mouth. The Bible says, “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” (James 1:19). We express ourselves by talking and our listeners can form opinions about us as well. Our speech can also change the course of our lives.
The Bible has much to say about our tongue – both in its use and its abuse. Jesus said, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). No one should underestimate the power of the tongue. The Bible states, “Though [ships] are so large and driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs” (James 3:4). In size, and by comparison the tongue is a very small member of the body, yet it is capable of accomplishing that which is evil and that which is good.
The Epistle of James also tells us, “The tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell” (James 3:6). We have seen the havoc and destruction of fires from time to time, especially brush fire. It only takes the strike of a single lighted match to set ablaze the brush and in no time acres of property can be destroyed. So is the tongue. A person with evil intent can cause irreparable harm to themselves and others through scandalous and vicious statements, even when these statements may have no merit.
In his “Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee series, Dr. McGee writes, “The tongue is like a fire; when it is under control, it is a blessing; when it is out of control, it is devastating. It can be a cure, or it can be a curse.” (Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville). The Bible says, “There is one whose rash words are sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18). The same tongue can be a sword and also a “healer.”
James continues to point out the dangers of an uncontrolled tongue. “For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:7-8). The tongue is known to poison the hearts and minds of others because of its “deadly poison.” People have been unjustly criticized and falsely accused because someone is trying to “get even.” Over the years, politicians have been famous for “mudslinging” in their effort to harm their opponent. If man was capable of taming his tongue, such behavior would not exist.
Because of the capabilities of the tongue, christians must be very cautious about what we say. As James puts it, “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. Little wonder King David prayed, “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3). This means that our daily prayer should be: “Let the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). Let us think before speaking and watch what we say.