7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. 8 But no one among mankind can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God; 10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way.
James 3:7-10
These verses reveal two main points of instruction for James. First, the Apostle teaches us that we have great difficulty in controlling our own tongue. Humans have been able to tame and subdue creatures on land and animals in the sea. Even so, human beings have a very arduous time controlling their speech. Words spoken by people have destroyed relationships, resulted in murders, and caused wars. The tongue no can tame!
Second, James tells us this should not be case with Believers. It is inconceivable that the same mouth could produce blessings to God and curses on fellow image bearers. Yet, we see this phenomena at work in others and also in ourselves.
Let us strive to control our words. We will be judged by our speech. May God help us to remember the warnings of the Apostle.
Tony French
mrtonyfrench 