The Tongue is a Fire

James 3:3-12 (NLT)

We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.

But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.

  
Reflection:

Over the past 35+ years, my self-image has been an ongoing battle, largely stemming from the relentless taunts and mockery I endured as a child due to my weight. Those early years were marked by the hurtful words and unkindness of my peers, creating deep-seated insecurities that have persisted into adulthood.

The weight-related teasing and bullying I experienced left emotional scars that continue to affect my perception of myself. It's a struggle that has extended far beyond the schoolyard, infiltrating my relationships, professional life, and overall well-being. The constant barrage of negative comments about my appearance cultivated a sense of shame and self-doubt that has been difficult to shake off.

Over the years, I've attempted various approaches to address these issues, from diets and exercise regimens to therapy and self-help books. While some strategies have provided temporary relief, the underlying emotional wounds persist. This journey has been an enduring one, marked by moments of resilience, but also periods of self-criticism and frustration.
 
Our tongue, though small, holds immense power. In verses 3-5 of today’s reading, James compares the tongue to the bit in a horse's mouth and the rudder of a ship. Just as a bit and rudder control and guide these large and powerful entities, our tongues have the ability to direct the course of our lives. Our tongues also have the ability to set whole lives “on fire” (verse 6).

This passage reminds us that it's inconsistent and wrong to both praise God and curse those created in His image with the same tongue. Our speech should reflect the love, grace, and mercy we've received from God, not tear someone down. I have failed in this area so many times it’s embarrassing, especially with slow drivers on the way to church. 

We need to strive in our lives to make sure our words align with the nature of Christ within us. We must strive for consistency in our speech, allowing our tongues to bear the fruits of love, kindness, and encouragement, regardless of who we are around.

 
Action Step:

This week, before speaking, ask yourself questions like these: 

• Is what I'm about to say true? 
• Is it necessary? 
• Is it kind? 

This can help you filter your words and promote more positive, Christ-like communication.

 
Prayer:

God, my tongue is a very powerful tool with the ability to lift up or destroy. Please give me wisdom when it comes to speaking with others and help me to think before I speak. If there is anyone in my life I have torn down by my words, show that to me so that I can make it right. Give me wisdom in all that I do and say. Amen.