TAMING THE TONGUE
Wisdom is particularly required in our words and speeches. In order to do that, we must know how to control our tongue. The apostle James warned that we must exercise wisdom in taming our tongue so as not to offend others. Though the tongue is only one small organ of the body but it actually exercises a lot of power. If we can control our tongue, then we can control our whole body.
The tongue is like the bridle to a horse (Jas. 3:3). The horse is known for his power and might. We have the term “horsepower” as a measurement unit of raw power. Yet, the mighty and powerful horse is controlled by a small piece of metal between its jaws. Similarly, the huge ships and yachts which could streak across the oceans, are controlled by a small part of the ship called the rudder (Jas 3:4). Likewise, though the tongue may be a small organ of the body, it actually controls the whole body. If we are to display wisdom in our words and speech, we must exercise control over our tongue.
The tongue is very difficult for us to tame. Consider, when God created us, He created us with two ears and one tongue, and not two tongues and one ear. What does this tell you? We should learn to hear more than we speak. Again, take a look at the ears. The ears are always opened but the mouth is often shut. Now what does this tell you? We should always be ready to receive instruction rather than to speak, isn’t it? Else, God would make us with two mouths and an ear! Take a look at the tongue. It is surrounded with a double row of teeth, always hedged, to keep it within proper bounds. We have to be careful of what we say. The apostle James noted also that “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain” (Jas. 1:26). Thus, the control of the tongue makes a man. No man can be considered a true man of faith, if he does not control his tongue.
But the sad thing is we often sinned with our tongue when we get agitated. One example is Moses, the man of God. In Numbers 20, after much journeying the people reached a place called Meribah where there was no water. The people chided with Moses and complained (Num. 20:3-5). Moses was very angry with them and
stomped off to the tabernacle to seek God. God instructed Moses to speak to the rock and God would provide miraculous water flowing out of the rock. However, Moses was so angry with the people that instead of speaking to the rock, he struck the rock; not once but twice! Although God still provided water from the rock, the Bible noted that the action of Moses displeased the Lord. What was the exact thing which Moses did that angered the Lord? Moses had spoken unadvisedly with his lips (Ps. 106:32-33). This psalm clearly tells us the root of the problem. When Moses was angered by the provocation instead of glorifying and directing the people to God as the source of providence, Moses took it upon himself as being their sole providence: “Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?” (Num. 20:10). Because of that, Moses’ entry into the promised land was forfeited.
This episode demonstrates to us indeed how difficult it is for us to control our tongue. This can happen when we are provoked and got angry. We raise our voice and lash out at others in our anger. When our fury subsided, we often felt angry with ourselves for not being able to control our anger. Yes, there are times where there is a good reason to get angry. Whether we have good reasons to be angry or not, we need to take heed to the warning of the Bible: “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath” (Eph. 4:26).
Withhold your tongue from speaking evil in your anger. Learn to think through your words thoroughly before you utter them. Listen to the instruction from Proverbs: “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things” (Prov. 15:28). If you have truly nothing good to say, then it is better for you to zip up then expose your folly. Again, listen to the instruction in the Book of Proverbs: “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding” (Prov. 17:28). Even a fool when he exercised refrain from speaking at such provocations is counted as a wise man. For the more we speak in anger, the more likely we could sin against God: “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (Prov. 10:19). Yes, my friends, the tongue is a small but powerful weapon. Learn to tame it and not let it ruin you. Use it to praise God rather than curse men. May the Lord grant us wisdom in our speech that it may edify others and bring glory unto Him! HCL.
