The Epistle of James is one of my favorite books in the Bible. It gives us a very practical way to test our faith and examine whether it is genuine. In this short but rich book, James gives us 13 tests by which we can examine ourselves.

The primary test I would like to focus on is the “Test of the Tongue” found in James 3:1–12. I would encourage you to read the entire passage, as it is full of rich truth and practical application.

Today, we will focus on verse 2:

“For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.”

What James is saying here is that we all stumble in our speech. We have all said things we regret. We have all lied at one time or another. We have all questioned God at some point in our lives.

What James is calling us to do is to become “perfect” in our speech. In this context, the word-perfect means maturity or completeness. None of us, apart from Jesus, is perfect in our speech. Therefore, as we grow in our walk with Christ, we should also mature in the way we speak.

Ephesians 4:29 says:

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”

Jesus says in Matthew 12:37:

“By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

When we learn to control our speech—perhaps one of the easiest sins to fall into—we demonstrate a growing ability to exercise self-control over our entire lives.

This week, seek to speak only that which is good for the edification of others—words that are holy and pleasing to God. May our speech reflect the transforming work Christ is doing in us.