October 14

but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. — Jas 3:8 BSB

The tongue is a difficult part of our body to control. Yet, it is also one of the most important parts, for with it we can do great good.

When our words are true and loving, they bring blessings wherever they are heard. But the tongue is notoriously hard to tame. Scripture tells us that when someone has mastered their speech, they are nearly perfect. The person who can control their tongue can control the rest of their life.

Just as a small bit controls a powerful horse and a tiny rudder steers a large ship, so the tongue, though small, directs the course of our lives. Taming the tongue is harder than taming wild animals. There was only one man who never spoke foolishly or harshly—Jesus. His words were always pure, kind, and uplifting.

We should strive to master our tongues so that we, too, can do great good. Only Christ can help us achieve this. He mastered all things—demons, diseases, storms, even death—and He can help us tame the most unruly tongue.