James 3.3-4
“If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
James refers to “the tongue” as a symbol for what we say and how we say it. Like a bit with a horse or a rudder on a ship, the tongue is small in size but big in its impact. Very big. The message is this: Be aware of how what you say affects the people around you. Do not underestimate the impact of your words.
James goes on to say, “How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And 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 3.5-6)
If we do not control the tongue, we run the risk of “igniting a forest fire” and “staining the whole body.” To make sure we give this our full attention, James tells us that the origin of undisciplined speech — the “fire” — is hell itself. Once again, this means that controlling our speech is a battle between our old nature (which has its origin in the Enemy) and our new nature (made in the image of God).
The words you speak are so important that Jesus said this: “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Mt 12.36-37)
Let us, then, guard our hearts and our tongues with all diligence. May we trust God and exercise wisdom and discipline in the way we speak and communicate.
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” (Psalm 141.3)
