Scripture
People can tame all kinds of animals, birds , reptiles and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.

Observation
James warns us that teachers face a higher standard by which they will be judged. All of us make mistakes, particularly in the things we say.

The tongue is like a small bit that controls a horse or a rudder that directs a ship. The words that we speak can generate huge destruction or tremendous good.

The paradox of speech is that we can praise God one minute and curse people created in His image in the next minute. This is just not right and runs against the whole of nature.

Application
Words contain great power. They can build up or tear down. They can glorify God or dishonour Him. They can bring life or death.

James was concerned with the tongue but in our day we have even greater opportunities to allow our words to impact others- email, Facebook, blogs, Twitter. Our thoughts can impact millions in minutes.

As followers of Jesus, we must make sure that our words glorify Him on every occasion.

Prayer
Father, place a guard at my mouth, at my keyboard and my phone. May the words that I speak and type be acceptable in your sight. Amen.