James 3:8 - How To Tame The Tongue. Part 1

James 3:8 - How To Tame The Tongue. Part 1

James 3:8 (NKJV) But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly 
evil, full of deadly poison.  

  The believers James wrote to were having problems with their 
tongues (1:26; 2:12; 4:1, 11-12). Of course, the tongue is not the 
problem; it is the heart (v. 14; Matt. 12:35-37). But before you say 
anything, ask yourself some questions. 
  WHO IS IN CONTROL (1-4)? If your tongue is under God's 
control, you will take what you say seriously (v. 1), and your whole body 
will be under His discipline (v. 2). Just as a horse needs a rider 
holding the reins, and a ship needs a pilot at the rudder, so your 
tongue needs a master; and God is the only one who can do the job. 
Psalm 141:1-4 is a good prayer if you need help in this area. 
  WHAT WILL THE CONSEQUENCES BE (5-12)? Are you starting a fire 
that may get out of control and do a lot of damage? Are you turning 
loose a dangerous beast or poisoning a refreshing spring? Once your 
words are spoken, you cannot take them back, so look ahead. 
  WHAT ARE MY MOTIVES (13-18)? Is there bitterness in your heart 
or envy? Are you speaking from God's wisdom or the wisdom of the 
world? Are you a peacemaker or a trouble-maker? If your heart is right 
before God (Heb. 4:12), He will use your words to produce the right 
kind of fruit. [Chapter by Chapter Bible Commentary by Warren Wiersbe 
re James 3] 

  Ever said something you regretted? Ever let slip a word or two 
that caused great hurt to someone? Then you know firsthand the power 
of the tongue. Like the bit in the horse's mouth, the rudder on the 
ship, the tiny spark--small things can have enormous power. The tongue 
is proportionately a small part of a body, but it can do great 
damage if it's not under control!  
  We need help from God to speak wisely. All types of speech, 
both out in the world and in our own homes, need to be brought under 
Christ's control. Why? Because the tongue is "a whole world of 
wickedness, corrupting your entire body." It is "restless and evil, full of 
deadly poison." Sounds pretty bad, doesn't it?  
  So what can you do? Think before you speak. Consider if what 
you're going to say is loving or helpful in any way. If not, keep your 
mouth shut--or find another way to say it. Ask God to help you speak 
carefully and wisely. Remember to count your blessings. Trust in God's 
care for you. When you do those things, you will be less likely to 
lash out at others. [The One Year Bible for New Believers re Jam. 
3:2-12] 

THE TONGUE IS THE INDICATOR OF THE PERSON.  WHAT WE TALK ABOUT 
ALL THE TIME IS WHAT WE LIVE.  THE WORDS WE USE AND THE WORDS WE 
DON'T USE DEFINE WHAT WE ARE THINKING, FEELING, AND BECOMING.  [Karen 
Burton Mains; Time with God devotional SB re Mat.12:34]