James knows how powerful words are. Back in chapter 1 he says a person’s religion is worthless if he/she fails to bridle the tongue (1:26). Today’s chapter is all about taming the tongue.

Words have power

In the same way that a small bit can control the entire horse or a small rudder steers the whole ship, the tongue controls the whole person. To be able to bridle the tongue is also to control the whole body, writes James (3:2). Conversely, an undisciplined tongue will belong to an undisciplined person.

Words have power to reveal a heart

James already connected the tongue to the heart (1:26). Our duplicitous speech of blessing God while cursing people reveals the condition of our hearts (3:9). Jesus said, “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). This truth also reveals God’s heart for us. His word reveals his love for us.

Words have power to reveal a heart and heal a heart

Our hearts need healing. Every tongue is a “fire.” James even includes himself in verse 9 with the plural pronoun “we.”  He frankly states that no human can tame the tongue. Thankfully, the Lord can tame the tongue by transforming our hearts. James 1:18 states that it was by the “word of truth” that God brings people into salvation. The Apostle Paul said that faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:13-17). The key to taming the tongue is to receive the wisdom that comes down from above. It is “…pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (3:17).

Taking It Home: Based on your recent speaking, what is revealed about heart? Talk to God about this and ask for his help.