What comes out of your mouth, and what you might text or tweet, is of such importance that James devotes almost an entire chapter to it (see James 3:1-12). Why? Because your words have power. They can bless or break, help or hurt. People who have been the target of harsh words can carry wounds for a lifetime. Too many children have heard a frustrated parent saying, ‘You’re worthless, and you’ll never amount to anything.’ And they have believed it, allowing those words to shape their self-image and determine their self-worth. Other children have had parents who affirmed and nurtured them with encouraging words such as, ‘You’re important, and God has something for you to do that no one else can do quite like you can.’ These children believed that message and ultimately grew up to act on it. James made three statements about the use of our tongues, and he gave two illustrations to substantiate each point. First, he reminded us that speech can be controlled and directed, and he illustrated his point with a horse’s bridle and a ship’s rudder. Second, he said that contentious speech can be destructive like fire and poison. Finally, he pointed out that conflicting speech can be deceptive, and he illustrated this with images of a spring of water and a fig tree. The truth is that our words reveal what is in our hearts. And whether we speak them or type them, they have the power to heal or hurt, help or hinder. Knowing that you never have to take back what you don’t say, David prayed, ‘Set a guard over my mouth, Lord’ (Psalm 141:3 NIV).
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