Young People's Group

BE CAREFUL HOW WE USE OUR TONGUE

by Pastor Mitch
July 04, 2004

Never Underestimate The Power Of The Tongue

The tongue is one of the smallest members of the body. And yet, it has tremendous power. When we do not use our tongue judiciously, we can be the inadvertent source of corruption and destruction in relationships. As we continue in our noble quest to put on the breastplate of righteousness, it is fundamental that we learn to control our tongue. Frequently, we underestimate how powerful this little member is. James likened the tongue to a horse’s bit.

“Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.” 
James 3:3

It is such a small thing and yet it can turn around the whole body of the horse. The tongue is also compared to a ship’s rudder.

“Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.”
James 3:4

A ship’s rudder can control a huge ship in a fierce storm. This exhibits how powerful the tongue is.

“Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.” 
James 3:5

Even though it is small, it can pompously make wild claims. It can audaciously boast of great things.

Satan Uses An Uncontrolled Tongue To Destroy

When we do not use our tongue carefully, the evil one could manipulate it to his advantage.

“See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.” 
James 3:5-6

All it takes is a little fire to set ablaze a huge forest fire. Trees that have taken many years to grow could be destroyed overnight because of the forest fire. In a similar way, the evil one could also use words said out of turn to destroy friendships that have been forged for years. He can cause division within a Church due to reckless and imprudent words said. The tongue can damage and annihilate. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Satan is ever ready to employ words from an uncontrolled tongue to do his will.

Taking Heed How We Use The Tongue

Young people, we must be careful with the way we utilize our tongue. Firstly, we must remember and fear the judgment of the Lord.

“My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” 
James 3:1

We must be aware that those who seek to teach will be under stricter judgment. We are accountable to God for what we say. Secondly, we must not stumble anyone with the use of our tongue.

“For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.” 
James 3:2

The word “stumble” means to offend. It is easy for us to offend others with the words we use. When we are careful with what we say and teach, we will avoid affronting people. Others will see this and view us as people of maturity. Let’s learn to have a more disciplined employment of our tongue. Satan will do all he can to destroy us through unwise words said. Let’s seek to be sensible and wise in all that we say.

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