We all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is mature, able also to control the whole body. Now if we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we direct their whole bodies. (James 3:2-3)
James says in this chapter that your tongue is the most difficult part of your body to control. But if you can give your speech over to God’s sovereign control (especially the things you don’t say out loud but only grumble to yourself), then you can give anything to him. When God can shape your speech, he can shape your whole life.
When you allow God to take away the angry words that come out of your mouth when a tourist cuts you off on the H1, then he can replace that anger with his patience and contentment, which will infiltrate your life.
When you allow God to take away the gossip that comes out of your mouth when you want to feel better about yourself by putting down someone else, then he can replace that jealousy with his unconditional love, which will shape every single one of your relationships.
When you allow God to make your speech different, he’ll make your whole life different.