The concept of taming the tongue is a significant theme in the Bible, emphasizing the power of words and the importance of self-control in speech. The tongue, though small, is depicted as having the potential to cause great harm or bring about great good. This entry explores the biblical teachings on controlling one's speech, the consequences of careless words, and the virtues of wise and edifying communication.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently addresses the power and potential destructiveness of the tongue. In the New Testament, the Epistle of James provides a vivid illustration of the tongue's influence: "The tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell" (James 3:5-6). This passage underscores the tongue's capacity to corrupt and destroy, likening it to a fire that can consume and devastate.

James further elaborates on the difficulty of taming the tongue, stating, "No man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison" (James 3:8). This highlights the inherent challenge in controlling one's speech and the need for divine assistance in doing so.

Consequences of Careless Words

The Bible warns of the consequences of reckless and harmful speech. Proverbs 18:21 declares, "Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit" . This proverb emphasizes that words can either bring life and healing or cause destruction and death. The repercussions of careless words can be far-reaching, affecting relationships, reputations, and even one's spiritual well-being.

Jesus Himself taught about the significance of words, stating, "But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken" (Matthew 12:36). This solemn warning serves as a reminder of the accountability each person has for their speech and the eternal implications of their words.

Virtues of Wise and Edifying Speech

In contrast to harmful speech, the Bible extols the virtues of wise and edifying communication. Proverbs 15:1 advises, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" . This highlights the power of gentle and thoughtful words to diffuse conflict and promote peace.

The Apostle Paul encourages believers to use their words for building others up, writing, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29). This exhortation calls Christians to be intentional in their speech, ensuring that their words are constructive and grace-filled.

The Role of the Heart

The Bible teaches that the tongue is ultimately a reflection of the heart. Jesus explained, "For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34). This connection between heart and speech underscores the importance of cultivating a heart aligned with God's will, as a transformed heart will naturally produce words that honor Him.

Prayer and Dependence on God

Recognizing the difficulty of taming the tongue, believers are encouraged to seek God's help in controlling their speech. The psalmist's prayer, "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips" (Psalm 141:3), exemplifies the dependence on divine assistance to maintain purity in speech.

In summary, the biblical call to tame the tongue is a call to exercise self-control, seek wisdom, and rely on God's strength to use words that reflect His love and truth. Through prayer and a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit, believers can aspire to speak in ways that glorify God and edify others.James 3:8
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
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James 1:19-21
Why, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
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Psalm 141:3
Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
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Proverbs 21:23
Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
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James 1:26
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridles not his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
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Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers.
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Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
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James 2:12
So speak you, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
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James 3:6
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
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Pelagius Corrupts a Passage of the Apostle James by Adding a Note ...
... The soul, therefore, should endeavour to tame the tongue, and ... beg for the taming
of the tongue,"He being ... ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 16 xv pelagius corrupts a.htm

The Tongue.
... habit is incorrigible: to-morrow the tongue is at ... You may tame the wild beast, the
conflagration of ... go on slaying, poisoning, burning beyond your own control ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/robertson/sermons preached at brighton/i the tongue.htm

The Fiercest Thing in the Bible
... Yes, that is it, the tongue. James says, "The tongue can no man tame.". ... I suppose
you never thought that you could kill a person with your tongue, did you? ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/the fiercest thing in the.htm

What Crouches at the Door
... If so, you may as well hold your tongue. A wild beast sits at my door, you say,
and then you bid me, 'Rule thou over it!' Tell me to tame the tiger! ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/what crouches at the door.htm

Ninth Commandment
... sea, is tamed and hath been tamed by mankind: but the tongue can no man tame; it
is ... But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/ninth commandment.htm

"But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory ...
... not all know that ye should bridle your tongues, that ... that Christian victory over
the world to tame and danton ... teach you when you have but one tongue, and two ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv but if ye.htm

October 30 Evening
... The tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."Let your
speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt. Psa.19:12. -Heb.12:15. ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/october 30 evening.htm

Explanation of this Text Continued.
... But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not and lie not against
the ... [1168] For through the tongue, which no man can tame, but only ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 17 xvi explanation of this.htm

On the Words, Crucified and Buried.
... his hands were fastened, smote with blasphemy by his tongue. ... left; for since the
Master said, Behold, your house is ... Jeremiah 11:19: I was like a tame (RV gentle ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xiii on the words.htm

January 5 Evening
... for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment."The tongue can no man tame; it
is ... anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/january 5 evening.htm

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