Every now and then, we need a gut check. We need to step back and look deeply and honestly at who we are and how we are doing.
In this same vein, today, I’m encouraging a “tongue check,” because it is with the tongue that we show so much of who we are.
In the book of James, the Bible makes this crystal clear. James writes,
“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” (James 3:5-10)
Earlier in James, he writes,
“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself, and his religion is worthless.” (James 1:26)
It is not just James who writes about the power of the tongue. David writes in Psalms,
“May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue that says, ‘We will triumph with our tongues.’ We own our lips. Who is our master?” (Psalm 12:3-4)
It is so easy to get lazy with the words we say.
There are so many ways our words betray us. We flatter. We boast. We gossip. We curse. But our tongues can also encourage. They can heal. They can comfort. They can inspire.
As I read Psalm 12 this morning, I was encouraged and convicted to do an inventory of the words of my mouth. I realized how easy it is to claim, in a subtle way, “I own my lips.” I was also reminded that a few honest, kind, well-placed words can change a person’s life.
So I am encouraging you, along with me, to do an inventory.
Think back over the last day or two. What words have you spoken? Have they encouraged? Have they lifted other people up? Have they been honest?
And as you move through the day ahead, listen to the words of your own mouth. Pay attention to what you say when you are tired, rushed, irritated, insecure, or trying to prove a point.
As James says, “The tongue is a fire.” It is a powerful force for good and a powerful force for destruction.
Let’s together put a rein on our tongues.