Josh Billings cautions, “The best time for you to hold your tongue is the time you feel you must say something or bust.” James 1:26 reads, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.” Later, James points out five things about the tongue.

First, note the importance of the tongue. James 3:1 reads, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” Remember, it is with the tongue the gospel is shared. Romans 10:14-15 reads, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!’”

Second, note the implications of the tongue. James 3:2 reads, “For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.” The tongue measures spiritual maturity.

Third, note the impact of the tongue. James 3:3-5 reads, “Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!” Little things make a big difference.

Fourth, note the impropriety of the tongue. James 3:6-8 reads, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” The tongue can be dangerous.

Fifth, note the imperfection of the tongue. James 3:9-12 reads, “With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.” Inconsistency in speech is an indication of a spiritual heart defect.

Francis Quarles counsels, “If thou desire to be held wise, be so wise as to hold thy tongue.”

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.