The Tongue is a Fire

The tongue is as volatile as it is vital. It was Washington Irving who first said, “A sharp tongue is the only tool that grows keener with constant use.” It was James, the half-brother of Jesus, who first warned: The tongue is a fire...a restless evil and full of deadly poison (James 3:6-8). With no difficulty, it can flick a husk of popcorn from between your jaw teeth or hold a thermometer just so. And it is tricky! It can help you enjoy the flavor of a stick of peppermint as it switches from side to side without getting nipped. Moments later it can follow the directions of a trumpeter, allowing him to play ‘Flight of the bumblebee’ without a single miscue. But watch out! Let your thumb get smashed with a hammer or your toe get clobbered on a chair and that slippery creature in your mouth will suddenly play the flip side of its nature. (Charles Swindoll, Growing Strong in the Seasons of life)