The circus fascinated me as a kid, as it has for many of us. Trapeze artists and clowns, a menagerie of strange people and sights, all of it kept me on the edge of my seat.
One of the more interesting acts in the circus would be the lion tamer. A man or woman enters a cage with lions and deadly beasts and gets those cats to do tricks. A calm individual in the ring and controlling obvious, deadly danger, well, it has entertained audiences for centuries.
These are wild animals known for their violence and power. It is a testament to the human ability to control these beasts.
Of course, we can acknowledge that it doesn’t always work out that well. In a few instances, those wild animals reveal they aren’t tame at all and hurt people. In fact, the key to a lion tamer’s success is that violence and chaos are always a step away. He or she must keep constant diligence.
Our human nature is similar. Scripture speaks of our own flesh, our human nature, as rebellious, broken, selfish, and deadly. As the Apostle Paul details in Romans 7, we can’t control or tame our broken nature.
One of the most dangerous parts of our being is what we say to others. James 3:8 states that our tongue can’t be tamed and catches the fires of hell. Why can’t it be tamed? Why is it so dangerous?
Examining James 3:8
The verse states, “But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” These words highlight the immense power and potential danger that lies within the human ability to speak.
The tongue is often considered the gateway to our thoughts and emotions. It is a tool that can be used to build bridges, express love, convey wisdom, and promote understanding. However, if left untamed, it can also cause immeasurable harm, destroy relationships, and spread toxicity.
James acknowledges the inherent difficulty in controlling the tongue. He emphasizes that no human being can fully tame it.
This recognition serves as a reminder of our human limitations and the constant struggle we face in harnessing our words. It implies that taming the tongue is an ongoing process that requires diligence and self-awareness.
The verse describes the tongue as a “restless evil” and “full of deadly poison.” These metaphors underscore the potential harm that our words can inflict.
Like a fire that spreads rapidly or a venomous snake, the tongue can cause irreparable damage if not controlled. It suggests that even a small slip of the tongue can have far-reaching consequences.
As James explains, it seems strange that something so small can cause so much damage.
We should consider God’s design for our words. When he sent his Son into the world, the Apostle John called him the Word of God, literally the message of God, present at creation (John 1).
Hebrews 1:3 says that God holds all creation together with his mighty word. Regarding creation, God spoke, and things happened. He commanded light, and there was light (Genesis 1). His word doesn’t return to him void (Isaiah 55:11).
God speaks, and things are accomplished. We have been made in his image, so therefore our words will also have a similar effect.
Returning to James 3, he tells us that our tongue utters both blessing and cursing, and this shouldn’t be true. That wasn’t the design. In the end, it is our tongue that brings us into the fires of hell.
It seems harsh until we realize God’s design for speech, especially in the New Testament. We are told faith is activated in others by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17).
As Paul reminded us in Romans 7, we have no ability within ourselves to tame this destructive force. It turns our whole lives to destruction and curses others.
We need a radical change, and this is what God provides through the death and resurrection of his Son, the baptism of the Spirit, and the New Creation.
Only by resting in His Spirit and power can we keep ourselves from the destructive potential of our tongue.
What Does the Bible Say about Taming the Tongue?
Other scriptures speak of the power of the tongue.
Known for its wisdom literature, Proverbs also addresses the issue of controlling the tongue. Proverbs 18:21 connects with James to tell us there is the power of life and death in the tongue, reinforcing the reality of both the power for good and evil with what we say, truth or lies.
Proverbs 10:19 states, “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” Here, we are reminded that excessive talking can lead to sin and folly.
The wise are characterized by their ability to restrain their speech, knowing that idle or careless words can lead to negative consequences.
Additionally, Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” This verse encourages believers to respond with gentleness and humility, even in the face of conflict.
Our choice of words can either diffuse tense situations or exacerbate them. By exercising self-control over our tongues and responding with kindness, we can foster peace and reconciliation.
The Book of Ephesians offers further guidance on taming the tongue. Ephesians 4:29 states, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of using our words to edify and encourage others. It challenges us to speak words that are uplifting, truthful, and beneficial, rather than engaging in gossip, slander, or hurtful speech.
Again, we can only do this through the leading and power of the Holy Spirit, speaking the truth in love, truth for the eternal good of others, and the right words with the right motivation.
Since God is love, he has designed our speech to be an expression of love, truth, and encouragement. When we participate in the opposite — using the tongue for selfishness, manipulation, and lying — we see a host of negative consequences.
What Are the Consequences of Not Taming the Tongue?
An untamed tongue inflicts damage on relationships. Hurtful words can pierce deep into the hearts of others, causing emotional pain and creating rifts in friendships, marriages, and families.
Words spoken in anger, without restraint or consideration for their impact, can lead to bitterness, resentment, and broken trust. Repairing the damage caused by an unbridled tongue often requires extensive effort, time, and genuine remorse.
Another consequence is the erosion of credibility and reputation. Words hold weight, and when they are used irresponsibly, they can undermine one's integrity and credibility.
Consistently engaging in gossip, spreading false information, or making thoughtless remarks can tarnish a person's reputation and diminish trust in their words.
The consequences may extend beyond personal relationships and affect professional opportunities and social standing.
Furthermore, an unbridled tongue can lead to the perpetuation of negativity and conflict. Careless words can escalate disagreements, deepen divisions, and fuel animosity.
Words that are filled with anger, criticism, or judgment not only harm the recipients but also contribute to an atmosphere of hostility and strife. Such an environment hinders cooperation, reconciliation, and the potential for growth and unity.
Additionally, the impact of an unbridled tongue extends to the speaker as well. Our words have the potential to shape our own attitudes, perceptions, and well-being.
Engaging in constant complaining, self-deprecating speech, or negative self-talk can erode our self-esteem, hinder personal growth, and perpetuate a pessimistic outlook on life.
Moreover, an unbridled tongue can undermine our witness as followers of Christ. As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors of love, grace, and truth.
When our words are filled with judgment, hypocrisy, or inconsistency, it can create confusion and hinder our ability to effectively share the gospel.
Paul asked for prayer that when he preached the gospel, he wouldn’t be found a counterfeit (1 Corinthians 9:27). While this applied to his whole ethical and moral witness, it included his tongue. The impact of our words can either draw people closer to God or push them away.
How Can the Tongue Be Tamed?
Taming the tongue is a challenging endeavor, but the Bible provides spiritual guidance and principles to help us in this pursuit.
By cultivating a deeper understanding of these teachings and implementing them in our lives, we can gradually gain control over our speech. Here are six spiritual and biblical ways we can tame the tongue.
1. Seek wisdom. “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise” (Proverbs 10:19). Seeking wisdom from God is crucial in taming the tongue.
By studying the scriptures, meditating on God's teachings, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we gain insight and discernment regarding our words.
2. Guard the heart. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23).
Jesus taught that all evil proceeds from our hearts (Matthew 15:19), so we must recognize and deal with the source of an untamed tongue, which God does through his forgiveness and sharing his divine nature with us.
The condition of our hearts influences the words that come out of our mouths. By nurturing a heart filled with love, compassion, and grace, we create a foundation for speaking words that build up and encourage others.
3. Practice self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 lists self-control as one of the fruits of the Spirit.
Through a deepening relationship with God and absolute reliance on the Holy Spirit, we can develop the discipline to pause, reflect, and choose our words carefully.
Self-control enables us to resist impulsive or harmful speech and respond with wisdom and grace.
4. Speak truth in love. Ephesians 4:15 encourages us to “speak the truth in love.” Now that we know the source of the problem, our own hearts, and motivations, we can get help from God in speaking to others from his agape love (1 Corinthians 13).
In addition, since God is truth, our love must be truth that leads us to God, namely the message of Christ.
5. Practice gratitude and praise. Colossians 3:16 urges believers to “let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.”
Corporate worship, intentionally lifting up God as the King of all things, deals with our hearts and establishes faith, truth, hope, and love in our inner person. Since we speak from the heart, this will shape our tongue.
6. Pray for guidance. Back to James, chapter 1 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Prayer is a powerful tool in taming the tongue. Through regular prayer, we can seek God's guidance, strength, and transformation. Asking for His help in taming our speech aligns us with His will and opens the door for His transformative work in our lives.
What Does This Mean?
Taming the tongue is a spiritual journey that requires intentional effort and reliance on God's guidance. As we allow the Holy Spirit to shape our hearts and transform our words, we can become instruments of love, encouragement, and truth in our interactions with others.
Peace.
For further reading:
What Does the Bible Say about the Tongue?
Spiritual Wisdom for Life: An Online Bible Study on the Book of James
What Does it Mean That ‘Life and Death Are in the Power of the Tongue’?
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