Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:14

The Bible speaks often about the power of words. The tongue has the power to bless and to curse. Today, I would like us to look at James 3:3-10 and learn some lessons from the Holy Bible. In comparison to the rest of the body the tongue is a small part. It is believed your tongue can say over 90 words in a minute.

In James 3, the Bible offers warnings and guidance about the influence of the tongue. The harm caused by the tongue can have lasting effects that extend beyond our lifetime. Although larger body parts, like the legs, can also inflict harm, that damage typically heals relatively quickly. In contrast, the tongue can inflict significant damage that may not be easily repaired. While legs can cause injury through kicking, the resulting pain and harm can eventually mend. The destructive power of the tongue far exceeds its small size.

Scripture instructs us to be careful what we say. James 3:5 says, “So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!” I am sure you have seen the reports of wildfires. From the 7^th to 31^st of January, 2025, a series of 14 destructive wildfires affected the Los Angeles metropolitan area and San Diego County in California, United States. What started as a small fire grew and grew to a much more dangerous and destructive fire causing great damage to life and property. In James 3 the Bible uses the analogy of a great forest being destroyed by a small fire to show how the tongue can do likewise.

James 3:6 says, “And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.” The tongue possesses the ability to corrupt both individual Christians and the entire congregation. It can harm the body through the words spoken and by what it aids in consuming. The tongue can lie and curse. It can also bless and bring peace.

In James 3:7 the Bible tells us that every animal has been tamed by man. However in verse 8 the Bible says, “But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.” This indicates that the tongue can be more perilous than any ferocious beast. As a Christian, it is crucial to be mindful of what you permit your tongue to express. James 3:8 states that the very tongue that praises the Lord also curses others. The tongue that proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ, instructs the children of God, and sings the Lord’s praises is the same instrument that condemns others and causes disgrace. James tells us, “from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.”

May we heed to the wisdom of 1 Peter 3:10-12, ““For, “THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE, TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS, MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT. “HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD; HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT. “FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER, BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL.”” Here Peter is quoting Psalm 34:12-16.

Proverbs 15:1–2 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly.” In verse 28 of this proverb the Bible says, “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.”

It is clear that as James wrote his epistle the power of the tongue was on his mind. In the first chapter he wrote, “If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.” (James 1:26)

Let us pray that Psalm 141:3 will be our witness, “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.” May this be true for us because as Proverbs 13:3 tells us, “The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18:21