The Power of the Tongue

How many words do you use a day? Words flow from the tongue so easily… some purposeful, some meaningless, some life-giving, some mean-spirited. Do you realize that your words have power? They have the potential to create life and to destroy. Keep Reading...

James 3:4-6 - Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

The tongue is such a small part of the body… often used and often misunderstood in its powerful potential. With a word, a person’s life direction can turn toward fulfillment of potential or go down in flames. The Bible says that the tongue is capable of setting a person’s life on fire. It can be used for wickedness and do such damage. There is a big spotlight on senseless acts of murder around the globe. But, how about the destruction caused by the tongue?

The tongue is the outlet of the heart and mind. For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. Matthew 12:34 Many thoughts and feelings go on inside of you, but it is the tongue that gives life to them. It is your voice that gives power to negative thoughts roaming through you. Clean your heart motives and impulses toward revenge. Then your mouth should follow suit.

Each person has control over their mouths. Great problems arise when words are left unchecked or unfiltered. How many children’s dreams are shattered through careless words? Perhaps this is why we are instructed earlier in James to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19 The listening ear will never do as much damage as the tongue.

Since the tongue has such power, be sure to guard your mouth. Do not allow your tongue to control you. Keep it in check. Think of how you can use your tongue to bless others, to affirm their uniqueness. Use your mouth for praise. That’s what it was made for!