Of all the parts of the human body, perhaps none is
more unique than the mouth. With it we consume
food and drink for the body’s nourishment and
survival, and with it we verbally communicate the
thoughts of the mind.
Like so many things that were designed for a good
purpose, the mouth (more specifically, the tongue)
can be misused; and what’s worse, it can cause a lot
of unnecessary hurt (if one is not careful).
Concerning this fact, James makes it clear that one
has to control his or her own tongue at all times (Jas.
3:2-12). “But no one can tame the tongue” (v. 8);
rather, it must be bridled (Ps. 39:1). It does not take
a rocket scientist to know whether or not a person
bridles (restrains) his or her own tongue. The
evidence is obvious. Gossip (1 Tim. 5:13), backbiting
(Ps. 15:1-3), slander (Prov. 10:18), lying (Prov. 12:
22), filthy language (Col. 3:8), dirty jokes (Eph. 5:3-
4), etc.; these are the types of things people engage
in when they do not restrain their own tongue.
This is a serious matter; it should not be taken
lightly. Jesus said, “But I say to you that for every
idle word men may speak, they will give account of it
in the day of judgment. For by your words you will
be justified, and by your words you will be
condemned” (Matt. 12:36-37). Yet Peter offers this
encouragement: “He who would love life and see
good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and
his lips from speaking deceit…” (1 Pet. 3:10).
Friends, being that everything we say originates in
the heart (Matt. 12:34), it behooves us to keep our
hearts pure (Prov. 4:23). Cleanse the inside, and the
outside will be clean also (Matt. 23:25-26). Do you
get what I’m saying?