The term "bridleth" is an archaic form of the verb "bridle," which means to restrain, control, or hold back. In the context of the Bible, it is often used metaphorically to describe the control of one's speech or actions, particularly in relation to maintaining righteousness and wisdom.

Biblical References:

1. James 1:26 : "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless." This verse emphasizes the importance of controlling one's speech as a reflection of true religious devotion. The imagery of a bridle, which is used to guide and control a horse, illustrates the necessity of self-discipline in communication. The failure to "bridle" the tongue is equated with self-deception and renders one's religious practice ineffective.

2. James 3:2-3 : "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle his whole body. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal." Here, the Apostle James expands on the metaphor, suggesting that mastery over one's speech is indicative of overall self-control. The comparison to a horse's bridle underscores the power of small things (like the tongue) to direct larger outcomes (like one's entire life).

Theological Implications:

The concept of "bridleth" in Scripture underscores the broader biblical theme of self-control, a fruit of the Spirit as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23. The ability to bridle one's tongue is not merely a matter of personal discipline but is deeply connected to spiritual maturity and integrity. It reflects an inner transformation that aligns one's actions and words with the will of God.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, the call to "bridle" one's tongue serves as a reminder for believers to be mindful of their speech, ensuring that it is edifying, truthful, and reflective of Christ-like character. This involves a conscious effort to avoid gossip, slander, and deceit, and instead, to speak words that build up and encourage others.

Historical Context:

In the ancient world, the bridle was an essential tool for controlling horses, which were vital for transportation, agriculture, and warfare. The metaphor would have been readily understood by biblical audiences, who were familiar with the necessity of controlling powerful animals to achieve desired outcomes. This historical understanding enriches the metaphor's application to human behavior, highlighting the need for intentional guidance and restraint.

Related Concepts:

· Self-Control: As a virtue, self-control is frequently highlighted in Scripture as essential for living a life that honors God. It is closely related to the concept of "bridleth," as both involve the regulation of one's impulses and desires.
· Wisdom: The ability to bridle one's tongue is often associated with wisdom, as seen in Proverbs, where wise speech is contrasted with foolish talk. Wisdom involves knowing when to speak and when to remain silent, and how to communicate in a way that reflects God's truth and love.

In summary, "bridleth" serves as a powerful biblical metaphor for the discipline required to live a life that is pleasing to God, particularly in the realm of speech. It calls believers to a higher standard of communication that reflects their faith and commitment to Christ.

Upon the Government of the Tongue.
... JAMES i.26. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue,
but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon iv upon the government.htm

The Preface
... We may take St. James's word for it, "If any man seem to be religious, and bridleth
not his tongue, that man's religion is in vain", Jam.1.26. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/allestree/the government of the tongue/the preface.htm

The Tongue.
... "If any man among you seem to be religious and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth
his own heart, this man's religion is vain." He protested against that ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/robertson/sermons preached at brighton/i the tongue.htm

James i. 26, 27
... Writing to other churches he might have selected other examples. "If any man among
you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own ...
/.../neander/the epistle of james practically explained/james i 26 27.htm

"But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory ...
... What would you think of such a sermon as this, "If any man among you seem to be
religious, and bridleth not his tongue, this man's religion is vain?" James 1:26 ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv but if ye.htm

Ninth Commandment
... "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but
deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. . . . ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/ninth commandment.htm

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
... Hence James says, If any man thinketh himself to be religious, and bridleth not
his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain (James 1:26 ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xiv how the silent.htm

The Being of God
... He cutteth off the spirit of princes; he bridleth the sea, gives check to the leviathan,
binds the devil in chains; he acts according to his pleasure, he doth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 the being of god.htm

The Daily Walk with Others (I. ).
... of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers" [Ephesians 4:29.]; "If
any man among you seem to be devout ([Greek: threskos]), and bridleth not his ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter iv the daily walk.htm

Letter xv. Social and Relative Duties.
... an angry countenance a backbiting tongue." Bear in mind the words of the apostle
James: "If any man among you seemeth to be religious, and bridleth not his ...
/.../letter xv social and relative.htm

Bridleth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bridleth (1 Occurrence). James 1:26 If any man
among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue ...
/b/bridleth.htm - 6k

Thinketh (17 Occurrences)
... James 1:26 If any man thinketh himself to be religious, while he bridleth not his
tongue but deceiveth his heart, this man's religion is vain. (ASV). ...
/t/thinketh.htm - 11k

Deceiveth (8 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth
not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. ...
/d/deceiveth.htm - 8k

Bridling (1 Occurrence)

/b/bridling.htm - 6k

Bit (46 Occurrences)
... To "bridle" occurs (James 1:26, "bridleth not his tongue"; James 3:2 "able to bridle
the whole body"; chalinagogeo, "to lead" or "guide with a bit"). ...
/b/bit.htm - 24k

Bridle (12 Occurrences)
... To "bridle" occurs (James 1:26, "bridleth not his tongue"; James 3:2 "able to bridle
the whole body"; chalinagogeo, "to lead" or "guide with a bit"). ...
/b/bridle.htm - 15k

Bridles (2 Occurrences)

/b/bridles.htm - 7k

Seemeth (36 Occurrences)
... (ASV WBS). James 1:26 If any man among you seemeth to be religious, and bridleth
not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. (WBS) ...
/s/seemeth.htm - 18k

Vain (141 Occurrences)
... James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue,
but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. ...
/v/vain.htm - 36k

Seem (115 Occurrences)
... James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue,
but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. (KJV BBE WBS). ...
/s/seem.htm - 38k

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