Power of the Tongue

Pastor Gary Oser

Reader’s Digest once did a series of articles on parts of the body. Each article began with the words, “I am Joe’s…” followed by a body part. The article then went on to explain how the body part functioned.

For a few months, I am sharing with you about what the Bible says about various body parts. This month I want to share with you about the tongue.

One of the places where the Bible speaks a lot about the tongue is in James 3. I want to share just a few characteristics of the tongue from this passage.

First, it is a small part of the body. In comparison to our hands, legs, lungs and other body parts, it is small in size. Second, in spite of the fact that it is small, it is also powerful. The last words of James 3:5 says that it “boasts of great things.” The little tongue can move people to action by what it says.

Third, it is destructive. James likens the tongue to a fire which can set an entire forest on fire. The tongue, with careless words, can destroy a person’s reputation. Fourth, it is uncontrollable. James 3:7-8 say, “For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.” Wow! What a description!

Finally, the tongue is inconsistent. James 3:9-10 say, “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing…” It is amazing, but the same tongue can be used both for good and for evil.

Knowing what the Bible says about the tongue, what should our response be? I want to share a couple things.

First, be careful in regards to what you say. Proverbs 10:19 in the NIV translation says, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” James in James 1:19 encourages us to be slow to speak.

Second, make a sincere effort to use your tongue for good and not evil. Some good questions to ask yourself before letting words come from your tongues are: “Is it true?” “Is it necessary?” and “Will it result in good, in others being encouraged?”

Finally, surrender control of your tongue to God. We cannot control our tongues in our own strength, but as we surrender them to Him, He will help us to use them for praising Him and encouraging others.