For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one among mankind can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God; . . . – James 3:7-9
Imagine a world where animals did not keep their distance from humans, they walked into homes without hesitation, taking over the spaces as their own. Birds built nests on couches, bees swarmed through houses, and racoons came inside to treat themselves to snacks in the trash or on the counter. Every day we benefit from God’s order of creation and mankind’s dominion over them. They live according to that order God has set. By contrast, James described one’s own tongue as untamable in their own power. It is something that is reckless and can be used for great evil.
If we want to change the way we speak, it will not be done through calming techniques or even good advice. Only God can change our tongues to speak words of life that have a lasting impact and bring Him glory. God has set order in the creation of the world, and He has an intended order in our words, to speak life and encouragement to a broken world that needs His hope.
- What are some ways we try to tame our tongues ourselves or try to tame the tongues of others? What happens when we try this in our own strength?
- How has your speech changed since you became a Christian? In what ways do you still struggle to bring your words under Christ’s control?
- Pray and ask God to direct your speech and help you surrender to His control in the way you speak.
