Controlling the Tongue

by Pat Hackney

The influence of the tongue exercises great power and effect. James gives us this vivid description: "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell" ( James 3:6).
A slippery tongue can cause great harm, and quite often counteracts any good influence a Christian may be capable of exerting. James illustrates this by stating: "If any man thinketh himself to be religious while he bridleth not his tongue but deceiveth his heart, this man's religion is vain" ( James 1:26). It is clear that one of the greatest lessons we can learn is that of contolling the tongue. Gossip, cursing, strife, and false teaching are all linked together as sins of the tongue. Those who commit any of these types of sin will be condemned. Christ said: "And I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they 1 1 shall give account thereof in the day of judgement. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by the words thou shalt be condemned" ( Matthew 12:36-37).
It is the duty of every child of God to control his tongue. May we all work toward this end.

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