Daily Thought

Yesterday’s meditation focused upon the importance of works as an evidence of our faith. However, today we are reminded that it does matter what we say. The tongue, although a little member of our body, is powerful. It is like a spark that can set a great forest on fire, v. 5. It is so influential that if it were under control we would be able to keep our whole body in check, v. 2. However, such maturity is beyond our grasp; indeed, we all stumble in many ways, v. 2. Teachers of the scriptures carry a special responsibility for the impact their words have upon others, for which they will be held particularly accountable at the judgement seat of Christ, v. 1. This ought to prevent us from coveting such a position if we are not so gifted.

The potential of the controlled tongue to be a real power for good is seen in the bit in the horse’s mouth and the rudder of a great ship, vv. 3, 4. Although they are small, they control the entire horse and ship respectively. The bit secures the horse’s obedience, and the rudder ensures the ship’s safety through stormy seas. Similarly, a controlled tongue can produce obedience in all areas of our life and prove a blessing to those, including ourselves, who are passing through troubled times.

It is disturbing to consider the descriptions given to the uncontrolled tongue: ‘a fire,a world of iniquity . . . it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature (i. e., our entire life) . . . an unruly evil, full of deadly poison’, vv. 6, 8. The source of such a destructive fire is hell (Gehenna). We cannot therefore tame the tongue in our own strength, vv. 7, 8; indeed, our inconsistent use of it, both to bless God and to curse men, is a proof of our inability so to do, vv. 9, 10. Even nature does not display such inconsistency, vv. 11, 12.

If we fail to control our tongues, envy and strife will mark our lives and we will display wisdom that ‘is earthly, sensual, devilish’, v. 15. Let us pray today that the indwelling Holy Spirit will enable us to display in our works and our words ‘the wisdom that is from above’, v. 17. This wisdom is pure, peace-loving, gentle, willing to listen, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, sincere, and produces the fruit of righteousness.