The Power of the Tongue

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. - James 3:9-12

This year my husband and I are approaching the New Year with greater focus and intentionality. With a sincere desire to please God and allow His peace to reign in our home, we are making a concerted effort to show kindness to one another, not only in our actions, but also in the way we speak.

There are many areas through which this goal can be pursued. However, for me, one stands out - the tongue. Though it is one of the smallest muscles in the body, it carries immense power. With it, we express approval, joy, encouragement, and praise, in other words, life. Yet the tongue can also do the opposite, inflicting harm and bringing destruction.

An Amazing Organ

An online search describes the tongue as a “complex muscular organ, made up of eight interwoven muscles that allow for its incredible flexibility and control in functions like speech, swallowing, and tasting. It is considered a muscular hydrostat, meaning it is composed entirely of muscle and works without a skeletal attachment, enabling it to change shape and move in many directions.”

Pause for a moment and consider that. The tongue is a single muscle made of many parts, giving it remarkable control and the ability to move in countless directions. Spiritually and emotionally, this suggests that we too have the power, through our thoughts, to guide what comes from our tongue in the form of words. And yet, as powerful as this potential is, successfully accomplishing this is far from easy.

A Little Member with Great Influence

We are reminded in Proverbs that death and life are in the power of the tongue (Prov. 18:21). Yet, how often do we let our emotions dictate our words? Paul exhorts us in Ephesians to build others up, let no corrupting talk come from our mouths, but only what is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear (Eph. 4:29). Similarly, James opens chapter three by highlighting the tremendous power of our words and the far-reaching influence they carry (James 3:1–12).

James offers two vivid illustrations of how something small can exert great control: a bit in a horse’s mouth guides the entire animal, and a small rudder directs a large ship wherever the pilot chooses (James 3:3–4). Verses 5 and 6 are particularly sobering: 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. These words remind us that, though small, the tongue carries immense power. We are called to learn to control it, to speak in ways that bless and uplift others. These verses are both daunting and instructive, challenging us to take seriously the responsibility of how we use our words.

Our words are meant to give grace to those who hear - to leave hearts lighter, not heavier; to bring hope, not hurt. Imagine the ripple effect if every word we spoke in our homes, friendships, and churches, and even in the wider world, were filtered through care and love before leaving our lips. How different would life be if every conversation built up rather than tore down?

Setting A Watch Over Our Words

May our prayer be that our speech flows life, spoken for the good of others and the glory of God. Let us ask the Lord to guard our mouths, shaping our words so they heal, encourage, and point those around us to Jesus (Ps. 141:3; Col. 4:6). In doing so, our small, daily choices of what we say can ignite faith, hope, and love far beyond what we can see.

In Christ's love,

Tracey