There is power when we learn to control things, be it horses, ships, or our own two lips!

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When I was six, someone told me something negative about myself, I still challenge that thought to this day decades later. In middle school, someone told me my “worth” I believed it and acted as if it was the truth. That did not stop me from creating victims, yielding the tongue as a weapon at various points in my life. I have countless examples and I expect you do as well. Like most weapons there is a balance a knife can slay prey, it can also slay your neighbor. The tongue is a double-edged sword, a brutal weapon, leaving dark scars only the recipient can see and a powerful tool to speak life into others. James, the brother of Jesus in Chapter 3, verse 1-12 describes the power of the tongue. Right from the start, James draws attention to the human condition, none of us are perfect! 

2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

James 3: 1-12 NKJV

I stumble with my words ALL the time. Sometimes I yell in frustration, sometimes I speak too soon when I should listen, and sometimes, I hurt others with my words. Lord forgive me, thank you for this passage of scripture to remind me of the power of my words. 

3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 

James 3: 1-12 NKJV

There is power when we learn to control things, be it horses, ships, or our own two lips!

5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of nature, and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 8 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.

James 3: 1-12 NKJV

I love verse 5 so much. How true it is, the tongue is small but extremely powerful. Maybe that is why it is also one of the strongest muscles in the body? 

10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

James 3: 1-12 NKJV

Heavenly Father forgive me! Yes, out of the same mouth I have blessed and cursed, yes Lord I have used the power of the tongue to hurt. I ask for Your forgiveness, grace, and mercy. Thank you for revealing this passage of scripture. Reminding me of the power of my tongue for good and evil. I pray that anyone who reads this feels Your healing power, Jesus. That past scars are healed and that they feel your great everlasting comfort and love. Remind me daily of the power of my words, let me use them to help build up Your Kingdom. -Amen