James 3:2 (CSB) For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is mature, able also to control the whole body.
Beloved, it’s not that you won’t ever say the wrong thing or hurt someone with your words, but rather how you strive to avoid doing so and the humility with which you respond when you do. Choose to be circumspect in your speech. Season it with a liberal dose of love and kindness delivered humbly and with a heart to build up rather than tear down.
Resist the urge to spout off at the mouth when you are angry or frustrated. Instead hold your peace, and find a moment to pour out your heart to Me. Refuse to allow careless words to flow from you, but rather be one who intentionally sows words of life in all around them. You are able. Simply ask for My help.
James 3:2-10 (VOICE) We all stumble along the way. If a person never speaks hurtful words or shouts in anger or profanity, then he has achieved perfection. The one who can control his tongue can also control the rest of his body. It’s like when we place a metal bit into a horse’s mouth to ride it; we can control its entire body with the slightest movement of our hands. Have you ever seen a massive ship sailing effortlessly across the water? Despite its immense size and the fact that it is propelled by mighty winds, a small rudder directs the ship in any direction the pilot chooses. It’s just the same with our tongues! It’s a small muscle, capable of marvelous undertakings. And do you know how many forest fires begin with a single ember from a small campfire? The tongue is a blazing fire seeking to ignite an entire world of vices. The tongue is unique among all parts of the body because it is capable of corrupting the whole body. If that were not enough, it ignites and consumes the course of creation with a fuel that originates in hell itself. Humanity is capable of taming every bird and beast in existence, even reptiles and sea creatures great and small. But no man has ever demonstrated the ability to tame his own tongue! It is a spring of restless evil, brimming with toxic poisons. Ironically this same tongue can be both an instrument of blessing to our Lord and Father and a weapon that hurls curses upon others who are created in God’s own image. One mouth streams forth both blessings and curses. My brothers and sisters, this is not how it should be.