Taming the Tongue

"Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 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 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 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. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
"How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water." James 3:1-12

Ouch. Doesn't this apply to all of us. And even if we are not the "talkative" sort, the attitudes are still there, in the heart. This is an area I, in particular, need direction in. I am, by nature, an easily irritated individual, and when someone does something that offends me or hurts my precious pride, what do I do? I lash out with my tongue wishing to wound that person. The Bible also says "reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." (Of course, I can't remember the reference.) But God in all his mercy has provided me with two major things to keep me in check. Number one, of course, being his Word, and two - godly friends (and parents) who love me enough to bring correction and don't let me wander down the path of destruction! (Viv, you in particular have been a means of grace in this area! Thank you so very much!) Praise God for his amazing love and mercy to sinners like me!!
Well, I hope ya'll are encouraged by all that. Hope even a little of it made sense!