Definition and Context:
The term "bridling" refers to the act of controlling or restraining, akin to the use of a bridle to guide a horse. In biblical literature, it is often used metaphorically to describe the control of one's speech, emotions, or actions. The concept of bridling is closely associated with self-discipline and the exercise of wisdom in one's conduct.

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 inability to bridle the tongue is seen as a sign of self-deception and renders one's religious practices 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 control his whole body. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal."
Here, James uses the metaphor of a horse's bridle to illustrate the power of the tongue. Just as a small bit can control a large horse, mastery over one's speech can lead to greater self-control in all areas of life.

3. Psalm 39:1 :
"I said, 'I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.'"
The psalmist expresses a commitment to self-restraint, particularly in speech, as a means of maintaining righteousness and avoiding sin.

Theological Significance:

Bridling is a significant theme in Christian ethics, highlighting the necessity of self-control as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It underscores the belief that true faith is evidenced by disciplined behavior, particularly in speech. The ability to bridle one's tongue is seen as a mark of spiritual maturity and wisdom.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, bridling involves a conscious effort to monitor and regulate one's words and actions. This can be achieved through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength. Christians are encouraged to be mindful of their speech, ensuring it aligns with the teachings of Christ and serves to edify others.

Related Concepts:

· Self-Control: A broader concept that encompasses bridling, emphasizing the regulation of one's desires and impulses.
· Wisdom: Often associated with the ability to bridle one's tongue, as wise individuals are characterized by thoughtful and measured speech.
· Discipline: The practice of training oneself to act in accordance with moral and spiritual principles, of which bridling is a key component.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Bridle.

Upon the Government of the Tongue.
... The translation of this text would be more determinate by being more literal, thus:
If any man among you seemeth to be religious, not bridling his tongue, but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon iv upon the government.htm

Hosanna!
... It was the Lord himself who had suppressed the popular enthusiasm. With great
skill he had succeeded in bridling a dangerous fanaticism. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/hosanna.htm

Matt. v. 17
... Thus, when absolving sins, and revealing His secrets, and opening Paradise, and
driving away devils, and cleansing lepers, and bridling death, and raising the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xvi matt v 17.htm

How the Will Variously Governs the Powers of the Soul.
... slaves, he rules them by force which they have no power to contradict; his horses,
oxen and mules he manages by industry, binding, bridling, goading, shutting ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter ii how the will.htm

Turning Aside from the Image of God.
... is his head moreover consenting, that is, the (so to call it) masculine part which
presides in the watch-tower of counsel not restraining or bridling it: then ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 8 turning aside from the.htm

How the Image of God in the Mind is Renewed Until the Likeness of ...
... to things eternal, from things visible to things intelligible, from things carnal
to things spiritual; and diligently perseveres in bridling and lessening his ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 17 how the image of.htm

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
... For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity
in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xiv how the silent.htm

How those that are at Variance and those that are at Peace are to ...
... of some gifts that they especially partake of, lose the greater gift of concord;
as it may be if one who subdues the flesh more than others by bridling of his ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxii how those that.htm

That the vicissitudes of this Life are Dependent not on the Favor ...
... But, further, is it not obvious that the gods have abetted the fulfilment
of men's desires, instead of authoritatively bridling them? ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 23 that the vicissitudes of.htm

That it is Now Necessary, as it was not Before Man Sinned, to ...
... For though now they are moved in this way, and are regulated by a bridling and
restraining power, which those who live temperately, justly, and godly exercise ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 19 that it is now.htm

Bridling (1 Occurrence)
...Bridling (1 Occurrence). James 1:26 If any one think himself to be religious, not
bridling his tongue, but deceiving his heart, this man's religion is vain. ...
/b/bridling.htm - 6k

Brief (7 Occurrences)

/b/brief.htm - 9k

Bridleth (1 Occurrence)

/b/bridleth.htm - 6k

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