James teaches us the practical use of the tongue to reveal who we really are. He teaches us that our religion is more than reciting the creed.

First, the tongue is small, but it directs us by revealing who we are. Vs3-5, “Now when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide the whole animal. And consider ships: Though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites.”

The small organ in our mouth is a better indicator of the heart than we imagine. It reveals us in slips, errors, and outbursts of wrath; it reveals the treachery of the heart and monstrous pride. It reveals indecency, selfishness, and immorality. It also reveals love, patience, and true humility. It reveals self control, gentleness, and the fruit of the Spirit. It reveals a person CONTROLLED BY GOD.

Oh, how blessed we are to have tongues that function properly. We're blessed to control this little member that reveals so much. We're blessed to tame it, rather than it betraying us. We're blessed to reveal how good we are, rather than evil… how gracious, rather than hard… and how much true humility we have.

To control the tongue, the heart must be controlled. We must meditate on the gospel truly!

Secondly, the tongue is vicious. Vs6, "For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison."

It can lie, steal, and cheat. It can manipulate and embarrass. It can reveal intense hate, break hearts, and show extreme arrogance. The tongue reveals the sweet girl is a devil, the nice smile is a fraud, and the kind deeds were fakes. It reveals the evil within, and it HURTS PEOPLE!

Oh, to use our tongues wisely and not bring evil into the world. Oh, to consider the feelings of others. Oh, to be gracious rather than murderous, and to have our hearts set upon Christ! These are good things, as the gospel bears fruit. It shows we are not pretenders, covering a viscous heart. Matthew 15:18, "But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person."

If we care about people, our tongue will be used to help instead of hurt, and to point people to Christ! It will be bathed in the cleansing blood, controlled by the Spirit, and it will speak from inward peace, instead of hate.

Thirdly, it’s impossible to have a good heart and a bad tongue! Vs11-12, “Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh." It's impossible to love and hate at the same time. It's one or the other! I cannot say that I love you, while tearing you down.

Let false religion go! Tune your tongue to your confession! Practice your religion. Get grace from God to cleanse the inside of the cup, not merely the doctrine. Don’t hide hate with religious platitudes. Bring your inner being to Christ for cleansing, believe grace, and graciousness will come out of you; it won’t be passive aggressive, it won’t be religious and proud, and it won’t be doctrinally accurate while uncaringly hurtful. We won’t say things in unguarded moments, if we don’t think them within secretly. We’ll respond better to people!

James is practical, which brings us to faith. Deal with yourself openly and honestly. He says, "YOU ARE WHAT YOU DO," not only what you claim!