Power of the Tongue
Great cosmic power--itty bitty living space. Although this line from the animated movie, Aladdin, was describing the genie’s lamp, it can also be aptly used to describe the immense power of our tongues. Proverbs 18:31 tells us “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” The question for us is this. Will our words produce sweet, firm and healthy fruit or bitter, rotten and putrid fruit?
We pay such careful attention to so many things. We spend years in universities or on-the-job training, studying to become proficient in our careers. We plan for weeks, months or even longer for dream vacations to some desirable destination. We strive to secure enough wealth to ensure a steady future. But when it comes to our words, we are often careless. We forget the return on investment of speaking life into another person. And we are often not ready for the fallout of our words spoken in anger, sarcasm or disgust.
James has long been one of my most favorite books of the Bible. Being a person whose primary love language is words of affirmation, the focus James gives to the power of speech offers important parameters on how to wield the great power of the tongue.
Have you ever ridden a horse? Each time, I have been struck by the sheer immensity of this majestic animal. Standing beside this creature reminds me how small I am in comparison, and sitting on his back gives a different perspective of the surroundings. Yet, with all his massive stature, a gentle tug on the reins turns the horse in one direction or the other.
Possibly more astounding is how a small rudder on a cruise ship redirects that enormous aquatic vessel through waters rough or smooth. In either case, whether horse or ship, one person can make a move that will change the course of direction.
Most of us have enjoyed the marvel of a campfire and many of us have seen footage of the intensity of a wildfire. Each begins with a small spark that grows into a larger flame. One is a picture of restrained power while the other shows the destruction that comes from lack of restraint.
A guiding motto for my life has been the following statement: “Speak life or don’t speak”. How I wish I could testify that I always speak in such a way, but sadly, this is not the case. Too many times, I have allowed the pressures of negative circumstances to be the rudder that steered my choice of words. Instead of walking away and allowing time to cool down, I have chosen to speak in the heat of anger, pouring fuel onto a fire that could have remained contained. As a result, relationships have suffered and unnecessary pain was endured.
Another movie quote was spoken to my favorite superhero, Spiderman. “With great power comes great responsibility”. These words resonate in our hearts because most of us realize the truth they proclaim. With our words, we have great power. With that power, we have great responsibility. How will we foster the force of that tiny tongue?
I believe we do so one choice at a time. We choose to speak life, not death. This doesn’t mean that everything we say will be pleasant. Sometimes, we have to say hard things, but we choose to say those things wrapped up in love. We choose to listen before we speak. We confirm before we confront so that we have a good foundation of the truth before we speak. We choose to lavish our brides with words of life in public and private places. We choose to build up our children and instruct them with wisdom, patience and humility.
If we are serious about fulfilling this great commission to make disciples of Christ, then we must be vigilant to keep the gate of our mouth in excellent condition so that we are aware of every word that passes through our lips. We choose to speak life. We choose to speak truth. The spark, the reins and the rudder of our mouths will be guided by love and we will manage well this tremendous power entrusted to us.
James 3: 1-12 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.