Taming the Tongue

Earlier this week I went to the Zoo with my family. It was very fun, and we had a great time! I really enjoyed seeing the baby giraffe. She kept sticking her long black tongue out. It was so funny, because it seemed that the tongue had a mind of its own. It would roll out, wave at everyone, and then the giraffe would manage to pull it back inside her mouth.

While watching the giraffe struggle with her unruly tongue, I was reminded of James 3:7-10.

"For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so."

Isn't that true of all of us? I pray that I might have kindness, and then I turn around and snap at my brother for interrupting me while I'm praying! The Bible gives many examples of how the tongue can be used for good or for evil.

Proverbs 12:18 says, "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."

Proverbs 15:1 makes a similar statement about the tongue. "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

Wow! The tongue can wound or it can heal. I can bring healing to those who are hurting, or I can cut them down with what I say.

Ephesians 4:29 instructs us to build one another up, saying, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."