1. The tongue is a fire (1-6)

A person who can control his tongue can control himself in every other way. James says that the tongue is like a bit used to control a horse or like a rudder of a ship. However, no one has such control of himself. We who teach are judged more strictly, so we must confess our inadequacy and ask God's help. The tongue is small but it can start a great fire. A person can destroy his own life and the lives of others by saying hurtful or unnecessary things. What we deliberately teach others has great influence; what we say casually without much thought sometimes has even more. By our words we can plant doubt and cause someone to give up in despair; or we can plant faith and hope and courage.

2. No man can tame the tongue (7-12)

If we are double-minded, our words will reveal it. If we praise God and curse men made in God's image, our double-mindedness is exposed. I cannot tame my tongue, but God can change my heart, and 'out of the heart the mouth speaks' (Mt 15:18).

Application: Lord, change my inner life until my lips are used only to praise you and strengthen others.
One Word: Only God can tame my tongue