Psalm 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.
It’s frightening how something as small as the tongue can do so much damage. From a careless word to a blatant lie, one person’s life can be forever altered by the words of another. ‘How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!’ (Jam 3:5).
James is very candid in his writing. He tells us, “if anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless”. Think about the sarcastic word, the thoughtless remark, the curt comment – all this comes from the same tongue that gives thanks to God and blesses His Name. How can this be? Can fresh and salt water pour forth from the same spring (3:11)?
Man has tamed all kind of creatures throughout the years but no human being can tame the tongue, it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison (3:8). That truly is a frightening thought and this is one of the many reasons why we need the power of the Holy Spirit working within us.
Speech is a big part of our daily life and we need to be more aware of the words that we say and the affect they can have. Hand your words over to God every day so that they may be good, helpful, encouraging, respectful and above all, bring glory and honour to Him.
PRAYER – Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Psalm 141:3
Guide Me Home 