The Wisdom of a Tongue Under Control
August 23 – – James 3:1–12
Sunday Devotional – The Wisdom of A Tongue Under Control
- It is almost a far-gone conclusion our mouth or the words that come from our mouths get us in more trouble than our actions or anything else. Too many times we speak before we think through what we are about to say. God’s word through the Psalmist (Ps. 19:14) reminds us that before we speak anything our desire ought to consider Him, that they heart-felt, edifying and true. In this week’s Sunday Devotional, James shares with us both the objective of our words as well as the results they can have if not bathed in God’s love and grace.
- Teachers teach with words. Teachers have influence over their students and are cautioned here to understand this truth. The wisdom of teaching others is knowing or being able to monitor, control and discipline ourselves so that teaching a powerful tool that can effective and destructive. We as teachers have that responsibility. He used the comparison of a bit in the mouth of a horse and the rudder of a ship. Both are small in size but used properly can control and guide a large beast or a massive sea vessel. Our tongue may be a small component in the body but it can have great results Jam. 3:1-5.
- The writer’s focus turns sternly on the damaging consequences words will have when used recklessly and irresponsible. A lit match left unattended can turn into a forest fire. The tongue in comparison unbridled, can leave a trail of irreversible damage. The tongue can be used for good and bad and will issue words of blessing and words of hurt harm and danger. The old saying of, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt” is not necessarily true or biblical. Words can and will hurt if not spoken lovingly (Eph. 4:15) and to the building up of those who hear (Rom. 14:19, I Cor. 10:23, and I Thess. 5:11).