Friday, September 16, 2022
I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle. Psalm 39:1
Small But Powerful -
Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire.
Our lives are plagued by the small part of the body which caused the fall of man - The Tongue. So the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire. James 3:5 It’s been estimated that the average person speaks 18,000 words per day. That’s enough to write a 54-page book!
Supervising our words is essential, and we desperately need the help of God to know: when to speak, what to speak, how to speak and to whom we are to speak. Our words always speak louder than our religious rituals. Anyone can dress nicely and come to church, put a fish icon on their rear bumper or listen to Christian music. But without a doubt, one of the greatest indicators of our faith, spiritual maturity and wisdom is the ability to have firm control of our tongues. More harm has come to religion, family, government, and society by the tongue that of the bottle, pill or gun. It is the sin of all ages of people.
James speaks to all abusers of speech:
- To the person who speaks praise to God in the worship service and then verbally abuses people at home or at work, James commands, "Purify your speech through the week." (James 3:10)
- With the person who says, "Oh, I know I talk too much," and laughs it off, James is not amused. He insists, "Be quick to listen, slow to speak." (James 1:19)
- By the person who boasts, "I always speak my mind, no matter who gets hurt," James is not impressed. He commands, "Discipline your speaking." (James 3:2)
- Of the person who says, "I know I gossip too much, but I just can't help it," James still requires, "Control your tongue." (James 4:11)
- Of the person who is in the habit of speaking with insults, ridicule or sarcasm, James demands, "Change your speech habits." (James 1:26)
The tongue has great potential for good or evil. Those who love to use it a lot must be prepared to take the consequences. We are to build people up, not tear them down! When used properly the tongue can mend fences, heal broken hearts and encourage those in need of encouragement. Just as the tongue has power to destroy, it is also has power to heal, to build-up, to edify and encourage.
A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word! Proverbs 15:23
Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances. Proverbs 25:11
Scripture to Claim:
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21
