“We all fail in many areas, but especially with our words. Yet if we’re able to bridle the words we say we are powerful enough to control ourselves in every way, and that means our character is mature and fully developed. For every wild animal on earth including birds, creeping reptiles, and creatures of the sea and land have all been overpowered and tamed by humans, but the tongue is not able to be tamed. It’s a fickle, unrestrained evil that spews out words full of toxic poison! We use our tongue to praise God our Father and then turn around and curse a person who was made in his very image! Out of the same mouth we pour out words of praise one minute and curses the next. My brothers and sister, this should never be!” James 3:2,7-10 TPT
In the midst of our conversations, are we careful, or even aware of our words? Do we think before we speak, or do we speak without thinking? Words can be damaging, especially if spoken out in anger, while at the same time, we can be encouraged or comforted with words if they are spoken out in love. With the Holy Spirit as our guide. we can learn to use our words wisely.
In this passage, James is describing some of the difficulties we can find ourselves facing when attempting to control our words on our own. We can be praising God one minute, and within the next, in the midst of an argument with hurtful words spewing out of our mouths. In the book of Matthew, Jesus tells us that we will be held accountable for every careless word, therefore, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit is a must, and we know it’s ours, all for the asking!
Heavenly Father, help us to remember the importance of the use of our words, in that as we speak, we can bring about either turmoil or peace, and be ever so thankful.
In Christ Love
Margaret