stumble tongue

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.

James 3:2

Words show the world what is in the heart. And sooner or later what we struggle with internally will come pouring out of our hearts. The tongue paints a picture of the heart then... and it is usually not a pretty one. We all stumble in many ways. And it is usually the tongue that trips us.

The words we say not only are pretty good indicators of what is on our hearts, but they also have the power to do so much more than we think they can do. The tongue is thus small, but powerful (James 3:3-5). It can be an unruly, fire-setting, poisoner of people, raging with fire from hell itself (James 3:6-8).

Our words can testify to our hypocrisy and besetting sins. We can worship God and curse people, sometimes within the very same breath (James 3:9-10). And this duplicity, though spoken aloud by the lips, originates in our sin-defective hearts. This is why we must be careful with both 1) “following our hearts” no matter what romantic lies our culture tells us, and 2) “speaking our minds” no matter how much the words burn at us, beating on the doors of our lips, demanding to be let out. The worst advice out there is to “follow your heart” and “speak your mind”. This is because our hearts and our words will generally be hurtful when not subjected to the control of obedience to God’s Word and sensitivity to God’s Holy Spirit.

God,

Forgive my failing, stumble-tongue. I am so guilty, particularly with my closest loves, of letting words flow from my sin-darkened heart. Those words can destroy. Give me words that honor You and the people made by You. I must let You guard my lips, and think and pray about what I choose to say.

Amen