The Power of the Tongue

What are the most powerful words - for both good and for harm - that have been spoken to you? Take some time to think on that before you read this passage from James.

Was it easier to come remember the blessings or the curses? Why do you think that is?

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 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 body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. - James 3:3-6

James points out that the tongue is disproportionately powerful. For some of us, the experience of a few words of criticism can outweigh dozens of words of blessing. For some of us, we’ve been so accustomed to being torn down that a single positive encouragement may have shifted the trajectory of our lives. One way or the other, words are incredibly powerful.

Ask Jesus today if there are people in your life that you have withheld a blessing from. What might it look like to reach out to them and use your words as a powerful force for good in their life today? Talk with Jesus about whatever comes to mind for you now.