Philip Dampier's Blog

Chapter 1, Verse 26 “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.”

Not sure what could be worse than a worthless religious practice. It is obvious that James has an issue about the use of the tongue because he mentions it often. James points out that it is possible to bridle one’s tongue even though it may be very difficult and counter to our habit. James connects controlling our speech with real religious behavior. If we find we can’t control our tongue then we know, according to James, that our religion is worthless. We are practicing religion but we cannot truly be religious and have an unbridled tongue.

This is not just about cursing or swearing but includes the idea of speech that edifies and builds up rather than words that hurt and harm. Control of the tongue implies the ability to use a soft answer to turn wrath away. (Proverbs 15:1) Control of the tongue implies the ability to lift up the downhearted and those broken in spirit.

Task for Today: Take a speech inventory. Do you use words in a negative way? Do your words ever tear down and belittle. Do you speak so you can laugh at someone’s discomfort? Are you careful with God’s name? Do you always(!) speak the truth. Turn your tongue over to God. Pray for help from the Holy Spirit. Practice wholesome speech.