"Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."
tame the tongue
These passages are packed with Old Testament allusions; the creation of the world and man’s role as steward (Gen.1:26); the entrance of sin and its destructive effects (Gen.3); the hellish instigation of sin (Gen 4:7, Job 1:6,) ; and the inability of man to overcome the evil potential within himself (Ps.130:3). Here is a condensation of man’s need for God. Here is a place of recognizing the incredible power given us—language—and our sometimes terrible misuse of it.
Just think of how such a small member of the human body can render a blow more staggering and a cut more severing than the fiercest of man-made weapons! When it is uncontrolled, the tongue can defile the whole body: thoughts formulating words, words propelling actions, actions setting paths that are emotionally, physically, and spirituallydestructive. Not only self, but others may be damaged in the process. Impacting every age and every culture, language can be for good or evil: A realm operating within the realm of God’s beautiful creation. Thoughtless unloving words ignite fresh spots of destruction each time they are spoken.
Ultimately we must deal honestly with our heart. Sometimes that takes a while, and sometimes we “vent” without considering the impact our spoken words may have. These words may tempt others to take up offense for us or against us, and they may provoke others to anger. When we are angry and we try to articulate it before submitting it to God, our uncontrolled speech may discourage and/or damage, painting an untrue, ungodly picture of others and/or ourselves.. It may impair the ability to sense the hope Christ offers, as well as erode a sense of trust. To speak in these moments is to act contrary to the law of love: it is not loving and honoring God, nor loving your neighbor.
Better than “venting”, is submitting. Come to God with all that is in your heart and examine it in the light of Truth before you discuss the matter with another person. This is taming of the tongue. Yes it is difficult, “with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matt.19:26). This is of great importance, for “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov.18:21)
Read and Pray: Prov. 16:27-28, 18:6-7, 15:28, Dan. 10:12, I Cor. 13:11-13
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