The Power of the Tongue
By Carolyn Hulliberger
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.”
James 3:9-10
Someone I love dearly recently hurt my feelings with a few thoughtless words. In the moment, it felt like this person used a herd of elephants to trample over my tender emotions. I’m sure you have had a similar experience. I have dealt many a careless word to others myself, and all has been discussed, forgiven and reconciled for this circumstance. But the situation got me to thinking about the power of the human tongue. For example:By Carolyn Hulliberger
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.”
James 3:9-10
- Without the tongue, we would not be able to eat, speak, spit or kiss
- Every tongue on earth has its own unique tongue print…just like our fingers
- There are over 10,000 taste buds on the surface of it, giving us the ability to differentiate bitter, sweet, sour and salty tastes
- The tongue is the strongest muscle in the body…probably because it is exercised WAY too much!
The Bible has a lot to say about our use of this particular part of the anatomy. James chapter 3 says, “…the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire…” Our words can be like a fire…we cannot reverse or control the damage that they can do.
The book of Proverbs says:
- Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (12:18)
- He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. (13:3)
- Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. (17:28)
Today, as wives, mothers, daughters, sisters and friends, let’s use the “woman of noble character” in the Proverbs 31 poem as a role model:
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” (31:26)
GOING DEEPER:
1. Memorize one of the verses above. Take sticky notes and put the verse in prominent places that you will see throughout your day.
2. Have you set a fire with a few words? Work to snuff it out today.
Along with caring for her husband, two children and the dog, Carolyn is an Office Representative for State Farm Insurance, serves in Student Ministries with seventh grade girls, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.
