Taming the tongue is a very hard thing to do. James 3:8 says that "no one can tame the tongue," and that is proven throughout history.
Still, we know that we must do it.
Many have offered ways to control the tongue, but honestly, no one is able to control it perfectly.
However, we have to realise that if Christ, who is a real man, was able to live a sinless life and was able to control His tongue, He can help us tame it, too.
Wisdom From The Bible
The Word of God gives us some wisdom regarding the matter. Let's consider a few.
1. The Tongue Is An Indicator Of What's In Our Heart
James 3:2 says, "For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way." We must realise that other actions and other things are easier to control than our tongue. After all, "out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks." (see Luke 6:45)
Check yourself. What you've been meditating on or thinking about will surely come out of your mouth, whether we like it or not. Get your heart fixed, and the tongue will be easier to control.
2. The Tongue Is A Tool For God's Glory
James 3:7-12 tells us, "People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can't draw fresh water from a salty spring."
Knowing this, we must monitor the words that come out of our mouth, and align how we use it with our identity in Christ. Colossians 1:13 tells us that God "has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son." 1 Corinthians 6:20 tells us, "God bought you with a high price. So you must honour God with your body."
Friends, we must align our use of our tongues with the identity that we have in God.: We don't belong to the devil and sin anymore. We belong to Christ.
3. Godly Wisdom Will Help Us Tame Our Tongue
James 3:13 tells us, "If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honourable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom." This verse follows directly from what James said about the tongue, giving us the idea that we can tame our tongues with the help of godly wisdom.
We should then ask God for wisdom, seek His ways, and strive to live an honourable life that comes with an honourable tongue. We can do it through Christ who strengthens us. (see Philippians 4:13)
