James 3:7-8

7. "For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea animal, can be tamed and has been tamed by human genius (nature)."

Remember the responsibility God gave Adam over the other created things... even to name every creature. This responsibility has never been taken away. And it is true, man can and has shown "poorly", but with some achievement with the task. But never has God meant for man to tame himself. James has already shown that... but maybe this next verse will really clear the issue up...

8. "But the human tongue can be tamed by no man. It is a restless (undisciplined, irreconcilable) evil, full of deadly poison."

Now... the idea of our need for a "bit" in our mouth... like that in a horse, and the "helmsman" over our tongue like the ships rudder, becomes clearer. It cannot be ourselves... "it can be tamed by NO man". I do not applaud those who say the Lord expects you and I to do this or that out of fear of judgment... I instead, pray for them. It is a trap set up by the devil, and what seems as a heroic gesture to please God, will end in frustration when a REAL trial comes.

Only, God, through the work of Christ can control our tongue. I have sat by the bed of a dying saint a number of times now and observed moments of consciousness, where they praised God... then slip into unconsciousness and say vile things with the same tongue.

Let's pick up with James verse 3:9 next time.

I love you