1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
–James 3:1-5 (ESV)

The perfect man does not stumble in what he says. At least I know the standard to strive for, but I shudder to think how far I fall short. It’s interesting that controlling our whole self depends on first controlling our tongue.

The goal is clear, but achieving a completely controlled tongue seems an impossible dream. Such control can only happen through a completely yielded life.