POWER OF THE TONGUE

You've probably heard the playground jingle “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Well, believe me, it’s not entirely true. We all can testify to the negative effects of someone’s words on our soul, and worse yet, we’ve seen the hurt in the eyes of others whom we’ve wronged with our own words. We are all guilty!
 
We are told in Scripture that “no man can tame the tongue” and that “death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21; James 3:8).
According to the book of James, we can control horses with bits in their mouths and steer great ships with a small rudder, but taming the tongue is nearly impossible (James 3:3–6).
 
However, when we study the entire counsel of Scripture, we see God preparing His messengers (preachers, instructors, singers, and musicians) by first transforming their hearts in order to affect their tongues. We have the Bible and numerous other historical records of God using men and women tongues to provide guidance in times of confusion, to release power when human hearts are helpless, and to rekindle fire in the human spirit. There is a positive to the power of the tongue, as demonstrated by Peter on Pentecost, Paul on a ship in the middle of a terrible storm, and Elijah who lit a fire on an altar in Israel.
 
One may ask, “How can I tame my tongue”?

• I think, first of all, we become aware of our need to bridle our tongue. Just simple awareness helps bring a measure of restraint.
• Second, we make our tongue a matter of prayer. Our words must become a regular part of our habit before God's throne He encourages us to guard our tongue many times in Scripture—it’s clear He must have a plan for us; all we have to do is ask.
• Third, we need to take up practical assignments given to us by Holy Spirit.

 
You see, as Jesus told us, what seems impossible for man is not impossible for God. He wants to help us in taming our tongue.

​What words are you speaking lately? Are they helpful? Encouraging? Or are they bitter and spiteful? I encourage you to examine your heart, take your thoughts captive to Jesus and if there’s anything offensive inside of you, ask Him to reveal it and hand it over to Him.
Then begin to speak words of life. Ask God what to say before you say it. Ask Him for the words. He will give them to you. Never underestimate the power of the tongue. Allow God to use you for His good and for His glory.
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What’s one way you can guard your tongue today? We will like to hear from you. Leave us a comment below.