Upgrading Your Oratory—7 Steps to Tame the Tongue
As Christians, we are called to be mindful of the words we speak. Our speech has the potential to build up or tear down, to bring life or destruction. In James 3:1-12, the apostle James paints a vivid picture of the power of the tongue, warning us of its potential to cause harm. But he doesn’t leave us without hope. While James acknowledges that taming the tongue is difficult, he also provides us with the keys to upgrading our oratory.
Why It’s Hard to Control Our Words
James says, “No human being can tame the tongue” (James 3:8). This may sound discouraging at first, but James isn’t saying that we’re doomed to fail. Instead, he’s pointing out that without God’s help, controlling our speech is nearly impossible. We are, after all, imperfect people living in an imperfect world. Yet with the power of the Holy Spirit, we can learn to control our speech and use it for good.
James urges us to consider the impact of our words and to make a conscious effort to speak in ways that honour God. Here are seven practical steps you can take to upgrade your oratory and control your tongue.
- • Believe Your Words Truly Matter
The Bible tells us that our words have the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). If we don’t believe that, we won’t be motivated to change the way we speak. Understanding the weight and impact of our words is the first step to taming the tongue. When we grasp this, we will be more cautious about the things we say.
- • Develop the Discipline of Silence
Sometimes the most powerful thing we can say is nothing at all. The Bible often highlights the wisdom of holding our tongues (Proverbs 17:28). Developing the discipline of silence means learning to speak less and listen more. In an age of constant communication, this can be challenging, but it’s essential to controlling our speech.
- • Speak with Intention
Before you say anything, ask yourself: Is this necessary? Is it true? Is it kind? If we filter our words through these questions, we will be far less likely to speak out of anger or frustration. Intentional speech means that we don’t just say the first thing that comes to mind—we speak thoughtfully and purposefully.
- • Avoid Gossip
Gossip may seem harmless, but it can destroy relationships and reputations. James warns us about the dangers of a loose tongue, and gossip is one of the ways that our speech can cause the most damage. Instead of engaging in gossip, make it a point to speak words that encourage and uplift others.
- • Apologize When Necessary
We all make mistakes, and we’ve all said things we regret. Part of taming the tongue is learning to apologize when we’ve said something hurtful or wrong. Apologizing doesn’t erase the damage caused, but it opens the door to healing and reconciliation.
- • Surround Yourself with Wise Counsel
Proverbs 13:20 tells us that “He who walks with the wise grows wise.” The people we surround ourselves with can have a profound impact on how we speak. If we spend time with people who are mindful of their speech, we are more likely to adopt the same habits.
- • Pray for Help
Finally, taming the tongue requires God’s help. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the wisdom, patience, and self-control to speak words that reflect His love. Surrendering our speech to God is the key to upgrading our oratory and using our words for good.
Conclusion: A New Way to Speak
James’ challenge to tame the tongue may seem daunting, but it’s possible with God’s help. By believing that our words matter, developing the discipline of silence, and speaking with intention, we can begin to control our speech and use our words to bring life rather than destruction. Remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about making a conscious effort to upgrade our oratory and glorify God with our words.
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