“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 it itself set on fire by hell.” (James 3:5-6)
There may not be an area of your life and mine that we need wisdom more, than in the area of our words. Wisdom in what we say and how we say it.
James uses the word tongue, talking about our physical tongue in relation to the words we say. Think about the influence of our words.
When I was a kid people used to say “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” It sounds brave, but we have learn this is completely untrue. Words shape and define our lives.
What others say to us and what we say to others can last a long time, for good or for evil. The casual sarcastic or critical remark can inflict a lasting injury on another person. The well-timed encouragement or compliment can inspire someone for the rest of their life.
Talking is something we all do…we do it a lot. There are more ways to communicate today than ever before: speaking, writing, texting, emailing, social media.
Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
Psalm 14:3 – “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
My words reveal the condition of my heart
My words indicate how healthy or unhealthy I am spiritually. If you go to the doctor for physical, one of the things he/she will do is ask you to stick out your tongue. Because the tongue is an indicator. The nurse will put a thermometer under your tongue – it is a barometer of your physical health. The scripture teaches us the same thing is true spiritually.
Jesus said in Luke 6:45 – “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
Our words are like a bucket of water dipped into a well. If there is fresh water down deep, that’s what comes out. If what is below is stagnant, polluted, and diseased that is what will come out. In other words, “If the heart is clean, the words are clean.” If the heart is contaminated, our words will expose it.
Quote – Charles Spurgeon – “More of a man is seen in his words than in anything else belonging to him; you may look into his face and be mistaken, you may visit his house and not discover him, you may scan his business and misunderstand him; but I you hear his daily conversation you shall soon know him.”
Today’s Challenge: Pray this prayer found in the book of Psalms ,”… May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord.” Today choose to speak words of life to those around you.
Discussion Questions:
- Why are words so powerful and why do they impact us in such a big way?
- In what areas do you struggle with your words, speech, or conversation?
- Describe how you could be more positive and uplifting with your words.
Recommended Resource: The Power of Your Words by Robert Morris
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