2011-08-17
The Power of the Tongue

“We all make many mistakes, and if any one makes no mistakes in what he says he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also. If we put bits into the mouths of horses that they may obey us, we guide their whole bodies. Look at the ships also; though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So the tongue is a little member and boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire!” (James 3:2-5).

The tongue has great power to set ablaze. It can enflame either false accusations or truthful encouragement, prideful bombast or humble thanksgiving, bitter hatred or forgiving mercy. Let us consider our speech. Do we use our tongues to build one another up in love, focusing on the gifts and virtues that another possesses, or do we use our tongues .....more