"Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell ... no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 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 3:5-12 (NIV)
In his teachings on Christian living and Godly behavior, James points out that the tongue, though it is small, is powerful and it is evil. The tongue can destroy the whole person. It cannot be tamed. That which is spoken reflects that which is inside of the person.
We cannot get both fresh water and salt water from the same spring and fruit that is produced reflects the nature of the plant on which it grows. Likewise, that which comes our of our mouth reflects that which in within us. Our conversation is a reflection of who we really are. We may pretend to be nice at times, but our true nature will soon reveal itself. We need to pray to God to change us, to guide our thoughts, talk, and walk. Only He can help us and save us from ourselves. We say that we want God in our lives, but we want Him in the backseat while we drive. What we should do is let Him drive, let Him guide, direct, and control our lives. Out of the mouth come issues of the heart. (Matthew 12:34; Matthew 15:18; & Luke 6:45) We need to get our heart cleaned and only God can do that.
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