Open mouth, insert foot. “For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature.” – James 3:2 AMP

Being able to say the right thing at the right time comes with maturity. As we grow we learn what not to say. Words can hurt or heal, offend or edify. This scripture in James says that a “perfect” man (or complete, mature man) does not offend in speech. Perfect does not mean that we are without flaw but rather that we are grown up and mature. The Amplified version even uses the phrase “fully developed character” to describe the complete and mature man. This is our goal and frankly what the Lord expects us to be.

To say the wrong thing and offend with our words shows immaturity. The words that we speak reveal how developed (or undeveloped) that we are. As we grow up in the Lord we can control our words, control our whole body and curb (restrict) our entire nature. Self control is one of the tell tale signs that we are mature and maturing.

“Help me to guard my words whenever I say something.” – Psalms 141:3 CEV