“If Anyone Does Not Stumble in Word . . .

he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.” Jas. 3:2. And in the same verse we read, “For we all stumble in many things.” And in the same epistle we read, “But patience has to lead to a perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Ch. 1:4.

If we endure in reacting in the right way, we will most certainly become perfect, also when we speak, with the result that we do not stumble in word. Uncontrolled words will not pass over our lips, neither vain nor unnecessary words. Every word will be true whether we speak about spiritual or earthly things, and each word will be noble and good, always in harmony with the mind of Christ, always calculated to benefit our neighbor.

What a future that is! What a glorious existence! However, since God’s light is always greater than our light, we will always be able to do it better. If someone asks about something, whether it is about spiritual or earthly things, he will receive a straightforward, clear, pure, true, and considerate reply without any ulterior motive, such as sparing or saving myself. No matter how you look at it, he will receive a noble answer, an answer that he needs and that will benefit him. Oh, the salvation and the sanctification that is needed before we are able to reach this goal by God’s unfathomable grace!!!

Since it is a fact that if we are able to rule our tongue we can also rule everything else in our life, it must be a wise war strategy to concentrate all our interests and strength for the purpose of mastering this one thing, because then we have killed “all flies” with one fell swoop.

For example, he who is master of his tongue is also master of his belly, his inclination to get angry, and his weakness with regard to the opposite sex. In other words, it requires such phenomenal strength to rule over the tongue, that if I have received such power from God, then I can also fully keep all His commandments in all areas.

Mastering your tongue is actually not just one side of the matter; it is the very essence of the matter. This is plainly written in several places, for example, in James 1:26.

Let us therefore exert every effort in this area! Then we will act with the most excellent wisdom! And, according to James 1:4, it shall succeed.