RPG Adults
AS BRIDLES FOR HORSES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15
James 3:3
Psalm 32:7-9
“Be ye not as the horse,
or as the mule,
which have no understanding…”
AS BRIDLES FOR HORSES
What are “bits” (James 3:3)? A bit is a mouthpiece placed in the bridle of a horse. And the bridle is passed around the under-jaw of the animal. When the bit is placed in the animal’s mouth, this comparatively small instrument enables its rider to control its movements and direction. It is “something to put in a horse’s mouth to guide it.”
Obey: The context here is about a small item controlling a larger item. Later, James 3:5 speaks of how a small member like the tongue can significantly influence the whole body. James’ recipients probably are familiar with horses, the rugged kind of farm horses. These horses needed rigorous training before they obey their owners. Yet, it is through a bit and a bridle that they are put under control. This shows how great an impact this small item has on the rough and brute beast of their day.
Follow: An unruly, ungovernable horse can run away with its rider or throw him off to the ground. Likewise, one who has no command over an unruly tongue may suffer also. Just like the horse, there may also be a great deal of brutish fierceness and shamelessness in a man. And the man’s tongue will manifest this. Just as the bit can help the rider to control the horse, man’s tongue needs to be controlled too (Ps 39:1).
When our tongues are subject to God’s control, we do not do things as we wish but are kept in custody and moderation because the power is in the hands of God. May our tongues not speak outside of the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Dear reader, let us be watchful. By God’s grace, let us bridle our tongues and let God be in control of us. Just as the bit controls the rugged horse, let our bridled tongue influence our demeanour. With this, all the motions and actions of the whole body will be easily guided and overruled.
THOUGHT: Do I allow my tongue to be controlled by God?
PRAYER: Father, grant me the grace to be prayerful and watchful every time I open my mouth to speak. Bridle it, O God.