Taming of the Tongue

The NIV Life Application Bible translation titles James 3:1-12 “The Taming of the Tongue.” For me, the taming of the tongue has been one of the recurring challenges of my life. I have personally battled sarcasm, outspokenness, cursing and gossip more often than I’d like to think.
You name the cliché, I’ve given it life — “put my foot in my mouth,” “eaten crow,” “spoken before I thought” and failed to “walk my talk.” Each time the “salty” or “brackish” water flowed from my mouth, it polluted the river of my life with misunderstanding, hurt, sadness, guilt or anger.

In contrast, the fresh water of words — whether spoken, written or sung — can be such an expression of joy and love. They encourage, comfort and affirm. With them we can praise our Lord and witness to His love.

It is a choice. A day-by-day, sometimes even minute-by-minute, choice, as to whether the bitter or sweet will flow from us. A choice I often cannot make without the power of prayer. A choice, that when well made, not only expresses love and joy, but fills me with it as well.

— Judy Rudat