The final example James uses is that of a source of lethal poison. He says the tongue is like a deadly element that can poison us by spreading infection through the whole system of our lives.
“All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:7-8 [NIV]
Consider the examples we have looked at this week: the bit in the horse's mouth, the rudder in the ship, the spark that starts a forest fire, and a poison that is injected into the life stream. The principle underlying each of these illustrations is the same: the tongue is a small part of the body, but it is able to cause inestimable damage that might never be undone. James goes on to point out, once more, the inconsistencies of ‘religious’ people:
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.” James 3:9-12 [NIV]
James is saying exactly the same thing Jesus said. If the tree is good, the fruit will be good. Likewise, if the water that comes out of your mouth is fresh, then the spring that is in your heart is fresh, but if the water that comes out of your mouth is salty and brackish it is indicating the true condition of the heart.
If your answer to the question “Does your tongue need healing?” is yes, you are in good company; Isaiah was deeply convicted of having unclean lips, he said:
“Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts’” Isaiah 6:5 [KJV]
If this word has convicted your heart then come before His throne of grace and confess, “Yes, it is me, Lord! I will not let this word pass me by! Purge my lips and my tongue. Cleanse my mouth and my heart!”
All true blessings, healings and victories begin at His throne and end our hearts.
Listen to “Before the throne of God above” on YouTube
Dawn Milward
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