The Power of the Tongue

Our ability to communicate with words is a wonderful gift of God. God designed human beings with the unique capability of speaking words that communicate what we think and feel and desire.

Think about it: words are one of the things that distinguish human beings from every other creature. Cows can moo, dogs bark, pigs oink, monkeys squeal, and lions roar.

Animals can make noises but only humans can talk with words. This is one of the most clear ways we were created in God’s image. God is a communicator. It is in God’s very nature to communicate Himself. So, He has made us to reflect His image by giving us tongues and vocal cords that have the ability to express ourselves.

Primarily, our tongues were created to praise and exalt God and to invite others to do the same. Words exist so that God’s glory might be seen and God’s purposes might be accomplished.

James 3:1-12 addresses the power of our words by giving us 4 aspects of the tongue that make controlling what we say so important:

1. The Tongue is Small but Powerful (v. 2-5).
2. The Tongue can be Incredibly Destructive (v. 6-8).
3. The Tongue is Humanly Untamable (v. 7-8).
4. The Tongue is Inconsistent (v. 9-12).

So, in response to this passage, ask yourself some penetrating questions:
-Do you use clean language?
-Do you speak the truth?
-Do you justify “little” “white” lies?
-Do you exaggerate the truth to make yourself look good?
-Do you speak well of people?
-Do you participate in gossip or the spreading of rumors?
-Do you complain and grumble about others?
-Does your speech glorify God?