If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. James 1:26

We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong.  In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. James 3:3-6

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21

One of the hardest things in the universe to control is that little clump of muscle, situated right in the middle of the head, known as the tongue. With it, we start fires of adversity in our own lives and in the lives of others. With it, we determine our life’s destination. With it we bless. With it we curse. With it we administer life. With it we administer death. If we want to grow, we must increase our ability to control that little bit/small rudder/tiny spark.

(James says that we ruin our own bodies with our uncontrolled tongues. Selah on that for a while.)

My Father,

It is so easy to spout off with my mouth. Forgive me for the many times that I have used it for evil. I repent. With your help, I determine to change my habits and maintain my tongue to speak what is right and pure and just and kind and loving and forgiving. In so doing, I receive your promise of a life that is free from the burden of guilt and shame. I would rather have a life that honors You.

In Jesus’ Name Amen.