Tame the tongue.

James 3:7-11, 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?

James asserts that no human can tame the tongue, and sadly it seems to be true. For even believers in Christ can fall into gossip, believing the worst about a situation and telling someone else. Sadly it might even be disguised as a prayer request! We are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, which somehow sounds easier than taming the tongue. Am I also willing to ask Him to take control of my tongue, to think before I speak about how I might feel if someone took my worst moment public?

Let us not grieve You with our tongue, Holy Spirit; give us pause to listen to You before speaking!

ESV Lectionary