I wish I could but can’t
When it goes into a rant,
Stop this little tongue of mine,
From saying things unkind.
A Pompous little muscle
That puts up quite a tussle,
When I want it to behave,
Seems I become its slave.
Whatever should I do —
To get it to be true,
To never utter an unkind word,
And sounding so absurd?
Maybe I should bridle it
Like a horse with a bit,
Or learn how to control it,
By the power of Holy writ.
[/pullquote4]James the Apostle addressed the issue of the unruly tongue in James 1:26. He taught adherence to an all important duty — bridling our tongue and keeping it under control. We must be careful to stay within the specific boundaries of love and concern for others so that our speech will not hurt or mar the reputation of those around us.
Our words are either jewels of the soul or contaminated pebbles of the flesh. We must pray that we not be found with a smooth tongue or a false heart lest we be linked with the Pharisees of Jesus’ day. Words can be very powerful so let’s use them to express love, concern and devotion. Bridling the tongue takes practice but the dividends are great. We will demonstrate power and faith as we embrace the light and glorify God. Speaking only with kindness will not only be a blessing for you but also to those around and create an atmosphere of love and acceptance.
“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45).
Good words, spoken in love, allows hope to grow in a more fertile soil.