Our Tongues are like Fire

Tuesday, September 15th, 2026

4:19 am

Good morning! Today I am in James 3:1-12. James tells us that not everyone in the church should become teachers because those who teach will be judged more strictly. He tells us that we all make mistakes, and if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could control ourselves in every other way. He compares our tongues to a bit in a horse's mouth and to a rudder of a ship. Both controls which way the horse or the ship goes. He tells us that our tongues are also like flames of fire, that like a small spark can set a whole forest ablaze. Our tongues corrupt our entire bodies, setting our whole lives on fire. He says that people can tame all sorts of animals, but they can not control their tongues. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. So blessing and cursing comes out of the same mouth. James tells us that this is not right. Saying that we wouldn't find fresh and bitter water in the same spring, or that a fig tree can't produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs.

This is a major warning for all of us. Everything we say and do affect not just us, but those around us. And they can either bring people to God or cause them to fall away from God. Whether we are teachers or not, people are watching our example, and what we say and do show people what we believe and who we follow. So we will be judged for everything we say. So an untamed tongue can cause terrible damage in someone's life that cannot be healed completely. Some examples of an untamed tongue are gossiping, putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teaching, exaggerating, complaining, flattering, and lying. The enemy knows how much damage our tongues can do and he uses them to divide people and put them against each other. We must be careful with everything we say, really thinking before we speaking. Asking ourselves if what we are going to say true or necessary. The Holy Spirit can help us learn to control our tongues. He gives us the power to monitor and control what we say, and reminds us of God's love so we will not react in a harmful way if someone offends us. The more time we spend with God in prayer and His Word, the more self-control, patience, and kindness we gain. Which helps us control our tongues. James tells us that this is an area that we all struggle with, so don't be discouraged. God can help us in this area. It is by His power that we can overcome.