The Power of the Tongue

Today’s reading is out of James 3:1-12. Begin today’s devotion by reading the passage in your Bible.

In Aesop’s Fable, “The Donkey in the Lion’s Skin,” a donkey finds a lion’s skin left in the forest by a hunter and decides to put it on to scare other animals. The donkey became so pleased with himself that he let out a loud “hee-haw” and gave himself away. The message of the story is clear: a fool may deceive with his dress and appearance, but his words will soon show who he really is.

What comes out of the mouth says a great deal about what we really believe in our heart (Matthew 12:34). Not only that but our words are powerful. We can encourage, strengthen, and inspire others with our words, or we can cut people down. Even after we become Christians, we may battle to control the tongue. The good news is that with God’s help, we can practice self-control with our words and use them to lift others up instead of striking them down. We can use our words for God’s glory or for our own benefits (vs.9-12).

Reread James 3:1-12 and answer the questions to help you reflect deeper on the passage.

James 3:2-12 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.4 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. 5 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. 6 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.7 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.

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Reflect

1. What speaks to you most from this passage? How is God challenging or encouraging you?
2. James compares the power of the tongue to a bit that controls a horse (vs.3), a small rudder that directs a large ship (vs.4), and a tiny spark that can light a great forest fire (vs.5). Why do you think it’s so hard to control the tongue?
3. When was the last time you were able to hold your tongue? When do you find it harder to control your words?
4. Is it easier to control your tongue when your heart is right with God? How can you consider this more before you speak with someone, especially if the conversation is important?

Act

Take an inventory of your words for today. Take note of how many times you used your words to build others up or put others down. Make a point of thanking the Lord every time you are able to hold your tongue.

Pray

Lord Jesus, thank you for helping me to see the importance of the words that I speak. Help me to be sensitive to your Spirit for what I should speak today and when to be silent. Forgive me for anything that I said that wasn’t seasoned with your love today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.