Mature Obedience
Hold Your Tongue – Part 1

Scripture Reading: Psalm 39:1-5

Key Verse: James 1:26

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

James, in James 1:26, moves to an illustration of what it means to be doers of the Word.  God’s Word tells us to hold our tongues and guard our words.  As James wrote, if you can’t control your tongue, your religion is worthless.  Maybe the apostle was thinking of Psalm 39 which challenges God’s people to “not sin” in what we say (Psalm 39:1).

The Apostle Paul wrote that Christ followers must “get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander…” (Ephesians 4:31).  Most of this list has to do with our tongue and the words that come out of our mouths.  Earlier in this same chapter, the Apostle Paul reminds believers to never use “foul or abusive language.”  Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:29).

As you can see, the Bible puts heavy emphasis on controlling our tongues.  Christ followers are subject to feeling frustrated; we certainly are tempted to use our tongues to straighten people out.  However, God’s Spirit within us can help us hold our tongues.  Remember, as a Christ follower, you gave up your right to say whatever you might want to say!  All your words must now be subject to the Lordship of Christ.  When the Holy Spirit nudges us, we must hold our tongues.  (Continued)

Father, I want to continually encourage people around me—not  to be harsh with them.  Please remind me often!  In Jesus’ name, amen.