“The Power of the Tongue”

The power of the tongue
 
by Dona Hake
 
 
Today I would like to share from the book of James.   The following scriptures give us great examples of how powerful our words are.   Our words can build up, or they could hurt and cause pain.   Let’s read from James Chapter three:
 
 
 
James 3:3-9 (AMP)

3 If we set bits in the horses’ mouths to make them obey us, we can turn their whole bodies about.


4 Likewise, look at the ships: though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines.

5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood or how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze!
 
 
Just think about how huge of an animal the horse is.   Yet a small bit put in their mouth causes them to submit and obey you.   A ship even though so great in size can be driven by a mighty wind or storm but a very small rudder is used to keep it on course.   The rudder is used for  governing, directing, or guiding a course,  It is amazing thinking about how the use of such a small thing can control such a great thing.

Have you ever felt discouraged at times because it seems your mouth gets you in trouble.   Think about it, one word can cause an argument.   One hateful word could be the beginning of a relationship that will be broken beyond repair.  Many times it is that one word or sentence spoken that was never dealt with that caused good friends to never speak again.     This is such a sad thing.   Many times people do not even know why a relationship has been destroyed.  Every thing is gone and they do not even know how the damage began.   James spoke here in the scriptures how the tiny spark can burn down a whole forest.
 
 
I want to encourage you today to be ever so careful with the words you speak.   Our thoughts need to be constantly guarded and we need to ask the Lord to help guard our mouths.   Ask Him for wisdom and guidance before you speak especially in situations where there is already hurt that has been done.   The Holy Spirit has come to help lead, guide and teach us in every area of our lives.  Let us look to Him to keep our tongues from speaking anything that would hurt or destroy.    May we edify and build people up as we purpose to speak only that which is good and edifying to the hearer.