James 3:1–5 (ESV)
Taming the Tongue
3 Not
many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he
is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look
at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts
of great things.
Our tongues often get us into trouble by saying things we shouldn’t or will regret. The tongue may be a small muscle, but it
has the power of great destruction. A horse is controlled by a small bit in the mouth and a ship is controlled by the small rudder. Most fights begin with the tongue.
I pray: O Lord, help me to control my tongue. Amen.