A fish in beautiful array, a lion with its flowing mane, a classy leopard with its spotted coat … These all have something in common: they are beautiful to look at – until they open their mouth. How quickly their demeanor can turn fierce and even become deadly.
How true this can be with us: our outside can appear beautiful and full of God’s love – until we open our mouth, use our tongue. Do our words build up, and show love and grace? Or are they demeaning, fierce, even deadly?
In James 3, God brings out the truth about our tongues: “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.With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.” (James 3:7-12).
And then it’s as if James moves on to another topic, almost leaving the passage on the tongue open-ended like there’s no hope. But the passage prior to the tongue speaks of our faith in God evidenced by our deeds; and the passage after the tongue speaks of seeking the right kind of wisdom. Read James 3:8 again: “no human being can tame the tongue.” I pray that as believers in Jesus we continue to stay in God’s word, so that His Spirit is alive in us and we are filled with God’s wisdom for each moment. Only God can tame the tongue. May our tongues not lead to an open grave.
“Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies – make your way straight before me. Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies … But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. (Psalm 5)