Tame the Tongue

But no one can tame the tongue — a restless evil, full of deadly poison. — James 3:8.

I am sure I’ve commented on James’s words before, so if I repeat myself somewhat I apologize. I note that James doesn’t exempt anyone, he says, “No one can tame the tongue.” That makes me feel better for all the times I’ve opened my mouth and inserted a foot or said something I felt well intentioned but turned out to have caused injury or pain. What is it that causes us to be self-centered, wish to be liked or funny, that we say something at someone’s expense? James points out that with the same tongue we praise God, but curse those who are made in his likeness. (James 3:9).

One benefit of the virus is that we should and do wear masks. The mask causes us to listen more and speak less — not such a bad thing. Whether it is gossip, hate speech, or plain stupidity we all can work on our tongues. Remember to praise God and his children, and hold back on the cursing and poison.

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About the author

Webb Hubbell is the former Associate Attorney General of The United States. His novels, When Men Betray, Ginger Snaps, A Game of Inches, The Eighteenth Green, and The East End are published by Beaufort Books and are available online or at your local bookstore. When Men Betray won one of the IndieFab awards for best novel in 2014. Ginger Snaps and The Eighteenth Green won the IPPY Awards Gold Medal for best suspense/thriller. His latest, “Light of Day” will be on the bookstands soon.