“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” — James 1:19
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Cam Ward is one of the top rookies this year in the NFL, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2025 NFL Draft. He hasn’t won his first few games as a starting quarterback, but he’ll probably do better as he gets more experience.
When rookies come into the league, coaches need to be careful with them. If they are pampered, they could get lazy. But if coaches are too harsh, a young player may get so discouraged that he can’t concentrate on the playbook and learn his assignments or perform well on the field. A coach’s words have power, so they need to be intentional.
In the heat of a close game or contested call, athletes (and coaches) can be found talking smack or arguing. It’s not usually a good look for them. They may get the attention for how they use their mouth, while the athletes that hold their tongue can be overlooked. Teammates and coaches have a unique position to use their tongue to edify, encourage and build up others, which ultimately strengthens the team.
Throughout Scripture, the Lord tells us to make sure our words are helpful. On one occasion, young man named Apollos needed to be corrected on a few important matters about the Gospel. So Aquila and Priscilla took him aside privately to make sure they didn’t embarrass or discourage this young pastor. “He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately” (Acts 18:25-26). They were able to build up someone who would be used to advance the Kingdom of God. It may have been easier for them to let him figure it out on his own (and perhaps look like a fool), but they invested in the life of another intentionally.
God gives us instructions on how to use our tongue, but many of us rarely listen and instead speak before we think. In Ecclesiastes 3:7, the Bible says we need wisdom about whether or not this moment is a good time to speak. In fact, God says we should focus more on listening than we do on speaking. Furthermore, God encourages us to be extra careful when we are angry. “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). We need to know when to put on the brakes and ask God for wisdom before we speak; we’ll be glad we did afterward.
When Paul wrote to Timothy about the qualifications for church leaders, he included guidance on how ministers and other leaders should speak as we relate to the congregation and the community. As the Holy Spirit led Paul to write, he told us to control our tongues, be gentle and avoid unnecessary arguments. We should be honest and consistent in our speech and behavior. In everything, we should demonstrate the love of Christ. While we stand on the truths of Scripture, we shouldn’t ever forget kindness. We should extend common courtesy and be known for “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).
As we live each day, we need to tame our tongue and ask God to use it for our good, the good of others, and God’s glory. The tongue is a useful tool, but it’s tougher to tame than a horse or any other large animal (James 3:3, 7-8). God is pleased when we use our mouths to thank God, encourage others, and share the Gospel of Christ.
Are we using our mouths to lift up the weak and weary among us? Everybody needs to hear uplifting words. Therefore, let us use our words to make this day and eternity better for each person who hears our voice.
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia
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