an unruly tongue,

lara stang

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We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and every condition of life, private or public, affords examples of this.

Hell has more to do in promoting the fire of the tongue than men generally think; and whenever men's tongues are employed in sinful ways, they are set on fire of hell. No man can tame the tongue without Divine grace and assistance.

The apostle does not represent it as impossible, but as extremely difficult. Other sins decay with age, this many times gets worse; we grow more forward and fretful, as natural strength decays, and the days come on in which we have no pleasure.

That man's tongue confutes itself, which at one time pretends to adore the perfections of God, and to refer all things to him; and at another time condemns even good men, if they do not use the same words and expressions.

True religion will not admit of contradictions: how many sins would be prevented, if men would always be consistent! Pious and edifying language is the genuine produce of a sanctified heart; and none who understand Christianity, expect to hear curses, lies, boastings, and revilings from a true believer's mouth, any more than they look for the fruit of one tree from another.

But facts prove that more professors succeed in bridling their senses and appetites, than in duly restraining their tongues. Then, depending on Divine grace, let us take heed to bless and curse not; and let us aim to be consistent in our words and actions.

James 3:7

For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race.

James 3:8

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;…

Psalm 140:3

They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's; the poison of vipers is on their lips.

Proverbs 17:20

One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper; one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.

Ecclesiastes 10:11

If a snake bites before it is charmed, the charmer receives no fee.

Romans 3:13

"Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit." "The poison of vipers is on their lips."

James 3:7

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind,

James 1:1

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.

James 3:6

The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.