James said that if we could control our tongue, that is, what we say we would control our whole lives. Have you ever said something that you wished you hadn’t said? I know I have, sadly too many times. Our tongues can sometimes get the better of us and cause us a lot of problems.

James reminds us that we all get it wrong at times. He knew that controlling the tongue is hard but learning how to control what comes out of our mouths is the key to controlling every part of our life.

James gives us examples of how powerful the tongue is. He compares it to controlling a ship. Although a ship is so big, the ship’s wheel is relatively small but it turns the ship wherever the captain wants it to go.  

James gives another example to help us understand this. A fire in a forest starts off with just a tiny spark. A person can set a whole forest on fire with just one match. If a little spark can cause a raging fire, just a few words can cause a lot of trouble!

Words can be used to encourage and help build self-esteem in others, they can also do the opposite and cause harm. James tells us that this is not good. He wanted us to realise that we need God’s power and love to help us control what we say. We have to learn to listen to others, think twice before we speak and if necessary count to ten to control our temper!