3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4
Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven
by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the
pilot wants to go. 5
Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great
boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6
The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.
It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on
fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
This is a deeply piercing set of verses to me as I curse with my tongue far more than I praise or encourage.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are full of both encouraging and caring words designed for Your glory and for me to become more like You. You are the standard for which I should strive in terms of my tongue and how I use it for Your glory. I on the other hand, as James says, am full of harsh words and other unwholesome talk. I thank You Jesus that You have blessed me, died for me, forgiven me - because I am clearly not deserving of such love. I pray of course that You forgive me for my harm that I do with my tongue and I pray Lord Jesus that You will help me tame my tongue and use it solely for Your glory. Purify and transform my heart and my life Lord Jesus.
