Re:Verse passage – James 3:1-12 (day five) “Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires.” The wisdom of the scripture is amazing. James gives two illustrations (bit and rudder) for the power and potential a “tamed tongue” has for the spiritual growth and maturity of a believer. A tamed tongue is not just evidence of a vibrant and growing relationship with God through Jesus Christ (life giving), it is a means to it.
James illustrates that our goal is not just to gain control of our tongues but to have balanced and healthy lives that reflect the Glory of God.
The bit illustrates all the “internal” things that must be controlled (thoughts, plans, imagination, values). All of these use internal words to formulate and arrange in our minds. The rudder then, points to the external events and circumstances that can veer us “off course” in our thinking and speaking.
In the Lord’s economy, words are the most valuable- creation (spoken into existence) and redemption (Word became flesh). Makes sense that He would demand that we have the same regard for words- both internally and externally.
