MY TONGUE

 MY TONGUE

James 3:3-10 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 

  I have often told people that my tongue is two feet ahead of my brain. So you see, I identify with Peter. Hasty in speech, too rapid in response, in both ways injurious. (Mt.26:34-35, 69-75; Mk.14:26-31, 66-72; Lk.22:31-34, 54-62; Jn.18:10) Like him, I sometimes speak and harm someone. James wrote of our tongues and the difficulty controlling. With God’s help I’m trying.

Leslie Nivens (12/12/1928-3/1/2020)

PS. Knowing the God does not control or silence our tongue, then how does He help? EBB4