James 3:3 KJV
[3] “Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.”
The bit is a piece of metal or synthetic material that fits in a horse’s mouth and aids in the communication between the horse and the rider. To place pressure in and around the horse’s mouth allows the rider to cue the horse when he wants him to stop or change directions, and it reinforces the other control signals the rider may give the horse with his legs or weight distribution.
James reminds us that the bit inside the horse’s mouth causes the animal to obey us and allows us to turn their whole body. An average horse weighs 900-2000 pounds depending on size and breed, and a lean racing-fit Thoroughbred weighs between 900-1100 pounds, yet such a small tool controls them.
The illustration simply means that if we as Christians will allow the Spirit of God to put a bit in our mouths to control our tongues, then we can bridle our entire bodies. We must do this to keep our bodies in subjection. If we have no control over our tongues, we have no control over many other areas of our lives. Those who say whatever they think will also do whatever they feel like doing because they know no restraints.
The unbridled man with no bit in his mouth is not someone living a free life, but he is living a foolish life. We all have times when we want to have the last word or win the war of words. We should ask ourselves what the trophy or prize is for winning this war. It may be the prideful satisfaction of being able to say that you were right, or maybe it’s just the pleasure of living life without a bridle and a bit. We must consider our words because they are a reflection of our character. The words we say to others do not define them as much as they define us.