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NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE TONGUE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17
James 3:5

Proverbs 18:21

 

“Death and life

are in the power of the tongue…”

 

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE TONGUE
 
What is a tongue? It is an organ of speech and taste. In the Bible, the tongue is used figuratively to represent verbal communication. From this, it is evident that it is not the tongue as an organ of taste which corrupts the whole person. It is its capacity for speech that has such a corrupting effect. James sums up by saying that although the tongue is a little member of the body, it can boast greatly. He likens it to a little fire that can create a great forest fire that can destroy acres of trees, even houses, and people’s lives.
 
Boasts great things: The tongue can go haywire when it boasts of things of its own. It becomes the trumpeter of a man’s own praise. It heralds wonderful things about what he has done, and can do. It shows off proudly his power and strength. By doing so, the tongue denies the work of God in the person’s life. It puffs up his self-confidence, and he esteems himself more highly than what is true. Since it communicates with others, many may hear and be influenced by its poison.
 
Burns great matters: James compares the effect of the tongue to that of a fire. He describes how a tiny spark can set a great forest ablaze. We know what will happen when a man drops a lit match onto the forest ground on a hot, dry summer day. The small item is contrasted with its huge, drastic outcome. The tongue (a small member of the body) can lead to a fiery disaster! James calls attention to the tremendous destructive power of hateful, false, heretical, discriminatory gossip or simply careless words.
 
There is a saying: “A tongue is three inches long, yet it can kill a man six feet tall.” Dear reader, as horses have bridles and ships have helms, let us endeavour to keep our tongues under our control. As the little children sing, “O be careful little tongue what you say…” Let us take heed!
 
THOUGHT: Is my tongue a fire?
PRAYER: Father, let me be careful with my tongue so that I may only speak words that are pleasing to Thee and that will glorify Thee.

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