The Power of the Tongue

By Kenneth Rhoades, Retired Pastor of Central Baptist Church, Sulpher Springs, TX

Read James 3:7-12.

In James 3:7-12, we are reminded of the immense power of our tongues and the need for control over them. God has granted us dominion over animals, but our ability to tame and control our tongues seems impossible. The tongue is likened to a wild animal confined in a cage, constantly seeking ways to escape its restraints. Once released, it can cause great harm and even lead to destruction. However, Scripture tells us that the tongue can be tamed with the help of the Lord, who can guard our mouths and keep us from speaking in ways that do harm.

Scripture tells us that the tongue can be tamed with the help of the Lord, who can guard our mouths and keep us from speaking in ways that do harm.

In the first part of this passage, James highlights our inability to control our tongues. While we may have dominion over animals, the tongue remains untamed. It is comparable to a caged beast, restless and eager to break free. To gain mastery over our tongues, we must call upon the Lord to set a guard at the door of our lips, as expressed in Psalm 141:3. Through surrendering our hearts to God, we can experience His transformative power and learn to speak in a way that honors and glorifies Him.

James addresses the inconsistency in human speech. He points out that the tongue serves contrasting purposes. On one hand, it can be used to praise God and demonstrate our reverence for Him. On the other hand, it can also be employed to gossip, slander, or hurt others. This inconsistency arises from the conflict between our old sinful nature and our new life in Christ. While we strive for perfection, we must acknowledge that the battle between flesh and spirit is ongoing, as explained in Galatians 5:17. It is crucial for us to constantly surrender ourselves to God, seeking His guidance and strength to control our tongues and align our speech with His will.

James investigates the tongue’s source. Both heavenly and hellish forces can influence our tongues. When the Holy Spirit inspires our speech, it becomes a channel for divine communication and can bring about incredible blessings, as seen in Acts 2:3-4 during Pentecost. Conversely, when the influence of evil taints our speech, it contributes to chaos and destruction. Yet, God alone possesses the power to subdue the tongue and teach it to speak for His glory. It begins with surrendering our hearts to Him as the overflow of our hearts shapes the words we utter.

Let us remember that the tongue holds great power and the ability to bless or harm others. We must strive to gain control over it by surrendering our hearts to the Lord. Through His grace, we can learn to speak words that uplift, encourage, and bring glory to our Heavenly Father. May we reflect deeply on the words we choose to speak and always seek to align our speech with the character of Christ who dwells within us.

May we reflect deeply on the words we choose to speak and always seek to align our speech with the character of Christ who dwells within us.

Reflective Questions:

1. Why does James emphasize the difficulty in controlling our tongues compared to our ability to tame animals? How can surrendering your heart to God help you master your tongues?
2. What are some examples of how your speech can be inconsistent, both in praising God and in hurting others? How do your old sinful nature and your new life in Christ contribute to the struggle to control your tongues?
3. What are some practical ways you can surrender to God and seek His guidance in controlling your speech?

Memory Verse:

Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. James 3:10

Prayer: 

Dear God, help me to understand the power of my tongue. I realize that unchecked my words can create chaos and destruction. I want to use my words to build up, bless, and encourage others and, most of all, glorify You. Help me to align my speech with the character of Christ. 

Related Scriptures:

Psalm 141:3; Galatians 5:17; Acts 2:3-4; Psalm 140:3; Psalm 55:21; I Peter 3:9; I Timothy 5:13; Luke 6:43-44; Matthew 12:33