James 1:2 (NKJV) 26 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.
The word “think” in this verse is very important!
We think we are religious, but then we open our mouth every time we feel like it. We have no restraint on our lips, so we say what we please, when we please.
James is simply stating that we need to be careful what we say. We can’t just say what we think all the time and have no control over what comes out of our mouth.
We’re told that we need to bridle our tongue. But what does that mean?
A bridle is a headgear that a horse wears and is governed by. To bridle something means to restrain it, to have control over it.
We have to take full responsibility for our words. We need to govern or restrain our tongue, so that we just don’t say what we feel. Don’t allow it to get us caught up in gossip, trash talking, vulgarity or negative talk. We need to be slow to speak and quick to listen.
James 1:19 (NKJV) 19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath…
Have we ever said something, and then later on said, “oh boy, I wish I had never said that.”?
We can’t take back our words once they are said. Words are powerful and can do a lot of damage, or they can do a lot of good!
Proverbs 15:4 (NKJV) 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
Let’s be careful what comes out of our mouths. We don’t want to cause destruction with our words. We want to be edifying, uplifting and encouraging with our words.
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808
401-315-0902
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