The Biblical Picture Of The Tongue

Matthew 12:34 states, "Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." When the heart is filled, it overflows (spills) out of the mouth. The words we speak tell us the true condition of the heart.

Let’s examine the tongue. In the book of James 1:26, the writer declares, "If anyone thinks himself to be religious (piously observant of the external duties of his faith) and does not bridle his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person’s religious service is worthless (futile, barren).

It does not matter how religious we claim to be, we may attend church, sing hymns, and do whatever it is church goers do, but if we do not keep our tongue under control, our religion is worthless and unacceptable to God.

Let’s look at the kind of religion God accepts. It is different from the practices of the average churchgoer. "External (Outward) religious worship (religion as it is expressed in outward acts) that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit, help, and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world. For those who profess to be religious, allow me to suggest that you look in the mirror of God’s Word found in this verse. If you desire a religion worthy of God’s approval, it must be demonstrated first and foremost in caring for those who are in need: namely, the widows and the orphans.

When I reflect on this scripture, I am reminded of a story about a doctor in the desert who would ask his patients how they felt? The very next thing he would tell them is to show him their tongue. His examination of their tongues told this physician a great deal about his patients.

God judges us according to our ability to control our tongue. If we can exercise control of our mouth, we are also capable of controlling our lives. In the book of James, the author brings out the unique significance and influence of the tongue for the whole course of our lives. The first example he uses is bits in the horse’s mouth. Here, he emphasizes how something as small as a bit can turn this whole animal around. The horse is used to illustrate the strength of the mouth. The comparison of the tongue to the rudder of a ship is another illustration used by the author. A ship, which is a great structure, is controlled by a small device called a rudder that determines the course of the ship. If this device is not used properly, the ship is likely to be destroyed. In our lives, the tongue is the rudder. If it is used properly, we will make it safely to our destinations. If the tongue is not used correctly, we will likely be shipwrecked.

In the book of James, the tongue is a little member that boasts great things. Though compared to a spark, the tongue has caused fires that are uncontrollable. The damage caused by this small part of the body is inestimable. James 3:9-12, Jesus states, "If the tree is good, the fruit will be good." It also states that if the water that springs from our mouths is fresh, then the heart is fresh as well. Our word is our bond. Since what we say control our lives, it is imperative that we pray to God for guidance over our words.

By Naomi J. Brown