The 3rd chapter of James teaches about our inability to "tame our tongue". We all face times when we cannot or choose not to control our speech. Verses 9 -11 say "With it we bless the Lord and Father (as we are called to do) and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God (our brothers and sisters and all mankind). From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. This ought not be so. Does a spring bring forth both fresh and brackish water?"
Think of that analogy. Close your eyes and imagine a stream of clear, cool water. Now think of a stagnant, smelly pool. In nature these two do not generally co-exist, much less come from the same source.
How is it that we can allow our tongue so much control over our body? It does not have the ability to speak on it's own...it is controlled by the brain. Our tongues merely reflect the evil intent in our hearts. As long as we are quiet we can give the impression of knowledge or piety or even good intentions but one word can shatter the illusion, destroy a friendship or break a heart. These results are all the more reason to "guard our tongue" and weigh our words. While words can bless and lift up they can also tear down and destroy. There is much power in this small body part. Guard it well.
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