Harder to tame than wild beasts!
(J.R. Miller)
"The tongue has the power of life and death!" Proverbs 18:21
"The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by Hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man - but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison!" James 3:6-8
The tongue is a very troublesome member! It is a very important member, however - and with it we can do great good.
Our words, if they are true and loving - carry blessings wherever they are heard. But the tongue is hard to control. When we have really gotten our tongue under control - we are almost perfect. One who can govern his speech - can govern every other part of his life.
A small bit keeps a spirited horse in check - and a little rudder turns a great ship in its course. Just so the tongue, though so small a member, controls the whole life!
The tongue is harder to tame than wild beasts! There has been but one Man who never spoke foolishly, rashly, bitterly. Jesus never did - His words were always pure, sweet, helpful, and inspiring.
We ought to set ourselves the task of mastering our tongues - for then we can do untold good with them. Only Christ can help us to do it. He mastered everything - demons, diseases, winds, waves, death itself. He alone can help us to master the most unruly tongue!