The Tongue

  When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. ...  but 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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               James 3-5,6-10
 I’ve heard lots of sermons on this subject. Taming the tongue is hard. For some high profile evangelist and pastors not keeping their tong in check has destroyed their ministries over the years.
The same is true for the individual. Many reputations have been destroyed by what they have said without thought or in haste.
James notes “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.”
One commentary I read said “Since humans have been made like God, to curse a human being is to show contempt for God.”
We must be careful to follow the advise James gives to us earlier when he says,
“....Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak.” James 1:19b.