Taming the Tongue
James 3:7-8
James 3:7-8
“All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”
James continues to lay example after example as he explains his point regarding the tongue. Humans have been able to tame all kinds of animals on the earth for work, play, and entertainment. James references animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea in the text saying we have been able to capture and tame every animal living on the planet. Our zoos and aquariums are filled with exotic species of life for all to see, but the tongue is not one to be captured or tamed.
Siegfried and Roy were one of Las Vegas’ best acts in the year 2003. The amazed crowds with their successful magic act combined with Roy’s famous Siberian White tigers. Animal experts have warned that no matter how tame a wild animal may seem… it is still a “wild” animal. They will always have wild instincts as a part of their nature. Roy Horn learned this in October of 2003 when on of his tigers attacked him while on stage performing. His injuries ended his career and almost paralyzed him.
James says, “no man can tame the tongue” as a warning to all who would become comfortable with their tongue as Roy Horn did with his tigers. Don’t get overly confident because at a time you least expect it something will happen and all of a sudden your tongue will lash out. Words flow unrestrained because you let your guard down.
He calls the tongue “a restless evil” meaning your tongue will never takes a break and it never sleeps. Your tongue will always be there waiting for an opportunity to leap out and cause damage. It is also described as being “full of deadly poison” meaning there is an endless reservoir of evil ready to come out, an endless supply that never runs dry. Like a deadly snake the tongue wants to strike and deliver a poisonous blow.
James said, “no man can tame the tongue” but good news everyone… The Lord is not a man! The Book of James is about God building our faith so we may be “mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:4). The power of God can tame the tongue. When our faith is mature and our relationship with God is strong the tongue is caged. When the wisdom of God is sought by the believer (James 1:5) the tongue is tamed.
So how is your tongue? Do you recognize the opportunities God has given you in the form of trials to test your tongue? You can claim victory over your tongue. You always have the choice between lashing out at someone or bringing praise to God in the use of your tongue.
