When consecrated to the Lord
no member of the body can be more useful, or do more good than our tongues.
With the tongue we sing Jehovah's praise, tell out the story of redeeming love, invite sinners to
Christ, and edify one another. But unless it is consecrated to the Lord, the
tongue can be the most destructive member of the body. "It is an unruly
evil, full of deadly poison." It is a weapon of anger, pouring out harsh,
cruel words in a fit of temper. It is a weapon of malice, carrying slander and
gossip from house to house, dividing friends and brethren. Well did James
write, "If any man offend not in word or deed, the same is a perfect man,
and able also to bridle the whole body." May God teach us to bridle our tongues. The wounds of the tongue are deep, painful, and
lasting. How much better it is to use this little, but mighty, member to spread
the heavenly dew of grace, pardon, peace, mercy, and love, than to brave it
spreading the hellish fires of hatred, anger, wrath, malice, and bitterness!