Daily Walk Through the New Testament
February 15
Read James 3:1-4:10
Most of us understand how powerful the human tongue can be. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” which tells us we can use our words for great evil or great good.
James wrote, “if anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body” (3:2). Most occurrences of the word “perfect” in Scripture do not mean “sinless”; perfect usually means “mature.” So those who do not stumble and do not offend in word are mature. James was saying that a test of spiritual maturity is the ability of a believer to control his or her tongue.
Jesus said we are to be very careful about our words because “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). In other words, your words are an indication of what is in your heart.
Ask God to purify your heart and to give you self-control and wisdom as you choose your words. Heed the instructions of Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Use your tongue to love, bless, and build up those around you and to honor and worship the Lord.