Managing Your Tongue

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. - James 1:26

Do you know anyone who likes to talk? I have noticed that people especially like to talk about what people have done wrong and not what they have done right.  There is a book that was popular years ago, "The One Minute Manager" that suggested that you catch someone doing something right and speak to that! I listen to conversations where people are talking over each other. As if what they have to say is more important than what someone else is saying. 

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. 

If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. - Proverbs 18

I didn't make that up - it is from the Word of God.

"the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water." - James 3:6-12

You say, "James could not have been talking about Christians!" But I think he was. I think he was addressing sin among the Christians to whom he was writing. 

Some words about the tongue from Proverbs 17

Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.  

I was once told that God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. We should listen twice as much as we speak. And I would add that we should listen fully before we speak. Give deference to other people as a sign of respect and spiritual restraint or self control.

Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. 

Not until recently did I remember that this was in Proverbs and was not rightly attributed to Mark Twain or Abraham Lincoln. They are quoted as saying, "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt" An urban legend. I believe it is actually a reference to Proverbs 17!  But the misquote is true nonetheless.

How good of a listener are you? 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone