As we continue looking at James’ Test of the Tongue (James 3:1–12), we turn our attention to verses 3–5. In our Monday Mission, we discussed verse 2 and how we are to speak as believers. We also saw that when we learn to control our speech, we demonstrate the ability to exercise control over our entire lives.

James gives us some great truth in verses 3–5 about how something as small as the tongue can influence everything in a person’s life:

James 3:3–5: “Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.”

The tongue is the object of control in our lives. It is like the rudder of a ship or the bit in a horse’s mouth. Both are small, yet they have the ability to direct something much larger.

The pilot, in this analogy, represents our heart. Our Lord said in Matthew 15:18–19:

“The things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, and slanders.”

What fills your heart will also fill your speech.

Our words reveal what is taking place within us. The tongue may be small, but it gives direction to our lives and reveals the condition of our hearts.

So, what is filling your heart today?