It is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.

James 3:5-12, So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. Behold, how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father; and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Neither can salt water produce fresh.

How many times have I said something and immediately wished that I could “take it back?” If we are honest with ourselves, we know that James is right. And we know that we need His help; that even if I count to ten before speaking that will be of limited value. What could happen if instead of just counting, I ask Him to impart His wisdom to me, to remain silent or if I am to speak, what He would have me say?

Lord, I want to be Your fountain of fresh, living water; help me to remember to ask Your wisdom, to remain silent until I am sure of what You want me to say!