Tongue

This is the organ that reveals by giving vent to the emotional feelings within through the words spoken. Although only a small part of the body it has enormous power to do huge things, many of them very damaging, and is difficult to tame or bring it under control (Prov 18:21; Jas 3:5,6,8). James describes the tongue as "a world of unrighteousness" set

Am I giving serious effort to controlling my tongue

on fire by hell. Our tongues — the words we say with them in our pride and lack of self-control — are powerfully evil and destructive. James makes it clear that the way we use our tongues reveals our true nature — sinful and destructive.

The spontaneous reaction of "Reckless words pierce like a sword” while encouragement often comes via the same medium, and from the same person, depending on their emotional and spiritual condition (Prov 12:18, 15:4; Jas 3:9,10). We need to constantly ask for God’s help to watch our speech and be self-controlled, for if we don’t control our sharp tongue our religion is unprofitable or worthless for the person who has a slandering tongue, cannot have a truly humble, gracious or godly heart (Ps 141:3; Jas 1:26, 3:2). The effect of becoming a Christ follower is that our total person (every faculty of the body and mind) is to come under His control. The outworking of our faith evidenced through love, purifies the heart, subdues carnal lusts, and obeys God's commands.

Jesus said “the good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him” and we will give account to God for every careless word spoken, being either condemned or acquitted (Mt 12:35-37). The Bible also says we are to do to others as we would they do to us and if we want to enjoy life we must cease to speak evil (Lk 6:31; 1 Pet 3:10). A true understanding of Christianity teaches us to do everything as in the presence of God.