James in his letter writes about the power of the tongue. He says that it’s a restless evil, that no one can control it. With the same mouth be bless God and curse our neighbor. He goes on to say that this should not be so.

I’ve often compared the book of James in the New Testament to the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament. They are both incredibly practical books of wisdom for the living of each day.

And both books are really concerned about our mouths and what we say.

James talked about the tongue being a restless evil, listen to what Proverbs 17: 27-28 says today:

Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Restrain your words, have a cool spirit. Even a fool that keep silent is considered wise.

So, today, keep this simple advice from both James and from Proverbs.

Be careful what you say. Before you say it, take a moment to think about it. Pray about it. Consider what your words will do.

Once you say them, you can’t get them back. Once they are out, they are out, and theirs nothing that can be done about it.

Be calm, cool, and discerning today. Pray about your words. Think about your words. Speak your words carefully. Use them for building up, not for tearing down. Use them for good, not for ill.

Use them to glorify God and help others.

Today, before you say it, think about it. And may we use all that we are, mouth and words included, for God’s glory!

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