“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 3:5-6
The things you say matter.
When we talk badly about another person, lie, predict a worst-case scenario, speak mostly doom and gloom or spend too much time arguing and correcting others, that is actually directing the course of your life, according to James. Verses 3 and 4 compare the tongue to a bit in a horse’s mouth or a ship’s rudder. It can steer you to somewhere incredible, or it can steer you to complete disaster.
The things you say to others can completely redirect their self-esteem or their plans. We pretend like words can’t hurt us but in this chapter we see that words can be incredibly damaging. We should be constantly uplifting and encouraging those around us, constantly working to keep a flow of God’s love in their ears because that kindness could be the healing they need.
Society today talks all the time about “manifesting” and “the universe,” but those are just Walmart names for prayer and God. It’s just the world’s mimicry of the system the God of the Universe set into place.
Speak life, speak truth, speak abundance, yes, but mostly when you speak, ask for God’s will. That’s a more powerful prayer than any because it relinquishes control and gives Him the reins or the rudder. He says he has plans to prosper and not to harm us, so use your voice to speak love into the world and to glorify the Lord. Then ask Him to do His will with your future.
Run from those internet fights and those rude comments. Even a 1 degree veer from your course will take you somewhere you never intended to be.
Verses 9-10 tell us, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
It’s a constant process, taking every thought captive before it hits the air. Eventually you get to where you can hear the Holy Spirit, and He’ll tap you on the shoulder just before those words come out.
“All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” – James 3:7-8
Restless evil. Deadly poison.
Watch your words. ❤️
(Photo of Chester for tongue illustration.) 😆
