Tongue control is a necessary element of being of value in the Lord.  We must use our tongues in a way that is useful to the cause of Christ, while at the same time avoiding the misuse of it.  This is not an easy task.

James 3:2 (ESV)
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.  

Since the tongue is the hardest member of our bodies to control, if we avoid stumbling by what we say, we show that we can control the rest of our bodies as well.  We must remember, however, that controlling the tongue takes constant diligence.

James 3:7-8 (ESV)
⁷  For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, ⁸  but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

James is not giving us an excuse to misuse the tongue, but is warning us to always be on guard.  Since the tongue can never be completely tamed, we must always be alert and remain mindful of how we use it.

Gossip, backbiting, sarcasm, cursing, flippantness, lying, rudeness, etc., will render us useless if we use our tongues in any of these ways habitually.  We must make a habit of being careful regarding the use of our tongues, following the apostolic directive given by Paul.

Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
²⁹  Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Being useful for the Lord, involves, not just avoiding the misuse of the tongue, but also the proper use of it.

Colossians 4:6 (ESV)
⁶  Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.  Notice Paul does not say we ought to know “what” to say when we answer, but “how” we ought to answer.  The “what” is obvious.  Earlier in the text, Paul wrote of “the word” and the “mystery of Christ,” obvious references to the gospel.  That is what we ought to speak, but we must do so graciously, having our speech seasoned with salt.

In Paul’s day, salt was used as a preservative and an additive.  It was meant to fight corruption and give flavor.  The Word itself fights against the corruption of sin, but we must preach it clearly.  That is how Paul said he ought to speak (Colossians 4:4).  To make it flavorful or appealing to others, we must preach the Word with kindness and patience.

The tongue can be a tool of usefulness or destruction.  Solomon said that “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21).  The question is, how will you use it?

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.