“People have controlled all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea. They still control them. But NO ONE CAN CONTROL THE TONGUE. It is an evil thing that never rests. It is full of deadly poison.” (James 3:7-8) WHY IS THE TONGUE SO EVIL? “With our tongues we praise our Lord and Father. With our tongues we CALL DOWN CURSES ON PEOPLE. (The devil will tempt us to do this, but we must resist him) We do it EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE BEEN CREATED TO BE LIKE GOD.” (James 3:9)
“Death and life are in the POWER OF THE TONGUE, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21) Some of the most common sins we commit are related to speech: gossip, idle chatter, lies, exaggerations, harsh attacks, and uncharitable remarks. WITH OUR TONGUE WE CAN spread hatred, incite fear and maliciousness, spread misinformation, cause temptation, discourage, teach error, and ruin reputations. With A GIFT CAPABLE OF BRINGING SUCH GOOD, WE CAN SURELY CAUSE GREAT HARM, if we give in to the devil! “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is NOT THAT which comes down from above, but is EARTHLY, NATURAL, DEMONIC. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is DISORDER and EVERY EVIL THING.” (James 3:14-16)
It almost seems as if there is a separate, baser part of our brain that controls our speech. We can be halfway through saying something before we even realize HOW STUPID AND SINFUL, WE ARE BEING. Scripture speaks very artistically of the sinful tongue.
“One who guards his mouth and his tongue, GUARDS HIS SOUL from troubles.” (Proverbs 21:23) “Set a guard, LORD, OVER MY MOUTH; Keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalms 141:3)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham