When we put
bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole
animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so
large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder
wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a
small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest
is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a
world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the
whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
All kinds
of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been
tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the
tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:3-8
James
said you had better watch what you say because the tongue is a terrible
evil. “Taming” our mouths and what comes
out of it is key to a peaceful life.
James
gave examples of how to do that:
1. See the mouth as a bit or a rudder. Steer the tongue to say what’s best to lead
you in the right direction. Get control
over it. Know that the tongue is a
restless beast.
2. Understand that the mouth can set terrible fires,
with only a small spark. Douse the spark
before it causes destruction.
3. Do not inject poison into people’s lives. That is done through opinion, gossip and
lies.
Don’t let your mouth destroy your life. Be slow to speak.