“But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” – James 3:8 (NIV)
Let’s be honest: controlling our tongue is hard. One minute we’re encouraging someone, and the next we’re snapping at a loved one or venting online. James doesn’t sugarcoat it-he says the tongue is a “restless evil, full of deadly poison.” And then he drops the bombshell: no human being can tame it. That can sound discouraging-until you remember that what we can’t do, God can.
You see, taming the tongue isn’t just about biting it or trying harder. It’s about letting God change our hearts. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). If bitterness, pride, or impatience are filling our hearts, it’s no wonder they come out of our mouths. But when God renews us from the inside out, our words begin to change, too.
It starts with surrender. Every day we can invite the Holy Spirit to take control of our words-to speak through us, soften our responses, and guard our lips. He alone can tame what we can’t. He trains us to pause before we speak, to season our speech with grace, and to speak words that heal instead of harm.
So if you’ve been struggling with your words lately, don’t beat yourself up-lift yourself up in prayer. Ask God to do what only He can. Because when your heart is in His hands, your mouth will begin to speak life, truth, and peace.
Prayer:
Lord, I admit I can’t tame my tongue on my own. I need your help. Renew my heart and take control of my words. Let what comes out of my mouth reflect your love, your grace, and your wisdom. Tame what I cannot, and speak through me today. Amen.
