In the New Testament Book of James, the tongue is compared to a fire from hell that defiles the body (James 3:6). It is also described as an unruly evil, full of deadly poison, which cannot be tamed.

A careful study of James Three will convince any believer of the need to control the tongue.

With our tongue, we bless our God. And, with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessings as well as curses.

Nothing damages the church more than the untamed tongue. Satan uses this tiny muscle to slander, defame, and ruin the reputation of innocent people.

Paul told us in 2 Cor. 5:19 how Christ’s dwelling within us has committed us to the Word of reconciliation and peace.

Being human, we can never reach the high standard of God’s perfect nature. But our God is faithful. He may chastise and discipline us when we develop the habit of sinning, but He does not abandon us or stop forgiving us.

God’s mercy and patience with us are beyond measure (See 1 John 1:9).

Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit within us, will empower us to do whatever God requires of us. We can find all the strength, hope, and love that we will ever need in Christ when we live in His resurrection power.

Obedience can be a challenge, though, especially if we think we know more about our lives and circumstances than God does.

When it comes to holding our tongue once bitterness and resentment rise up like bile, it can be exceedingly difficult not to strike back.

It is those very times when we need the mouthwash of scripture to take away the sourness of wrath.

Remember from Romans 12:14-19, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse…do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

When they hurled their insults at Jesus on the cross, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to Him who judges justly (from 1 Peter 2:23).

Professional counselors reveal that a significant percentage of those being counseled today are angry, embittered, and resentful. Bottled-up feelings eat away until a person can become emotionally crippled and physically ill.

They often have difficulty sleeping; and their relationships erode. Some become so obsessed with the urge to “get even” that they may harm someone.

There is an old Latin prover. ‘He who goes angry to bed has the devil for a bedfellow.’ Of course, there are many irritations in life. They become prime opportunities for Satan to lead us into evil responses. We need to pray daily that God will help us use our tongue to heal rather than hurt people.

Under our control, the tongue can often hurt and destroy. Under the Holy Spirit’s control, however, our tongue can bring truth, teaching, kindness, and healing.