7 day plan

The Power of Words

Day 1 of 7

NIV

James 3:6-8

6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

7All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

Reflection:  All of us, no matter our age, how senior or junior we might be in our careers, what our perceived status might be, whether we are 5, 15, 35 or 95, influence others by our words, written or spoken!

Perhaps the most well-known Bible passage about the taming of the tongue is in James, so let’s have a look at that first. (You might like to read all chapter 3 for further reference.)

James does not beat around when he likens the tongue to ‘a restless evil’.

The pairing of restless and evil makes for a powerful message. ‘Restless’ is defined as ‘offering no physical or emotional rest; involving constant activity’. This is a powerful reminder to us. If we do not rein in the words that come out of our mouth, they will not just damage our own psyche, they will also poison others – loved ones, acquaintances, people who read our Twitter, Instagram or Facebook messages.

Question:  How do you want to use your words?

Prayer:  Lord God, help me to use my words with care. May my words be life giving, not damaging.

Days

James 3:1-18

Taming the Tongue

1Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5Likewise, 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. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

7All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Two Kinds of Wisdom

13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.