Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21
The wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles, California, and the surrounding area over the past several days are a testament to just how powerful fire can be.
Speculations abound as to the cause. Some suggest that the raging devourer could have been started simply by the flick of a cigarette or a small trash fire left unattended. Whatever the case, one careless act can devastate entire cities when coupled with just the right atmosphere to fuel its spread.
James spoke of another small entity that has the potential for just as much damage: “Likewise, 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, 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” (James 3:5-6).
I’ve never been the victim of a wildfire, but I’ve surveyed the damage caused by a careless tongue. Lives, families, friendships, churches, businesses and more can be completely devastated by lies, gossip, or words spoken in anger. Oftentimes, my own tongue was the culprit, and I’ve wished I could take back words that I had spoken mindlessly. We’ve all been there.
James awed at how much easier it is to tame a wild animal than it is to tame our tongues. He noted how a bridled horse can be trained to obey with a small bit placed inside the mouth and move its entire body based on the movements of that small object. Great ships are controlled by a small helm guided by the captain. And so it is–as the proverb reads – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” (Proverbs 18:21).
I am reminded of the Smokey Bear posters I used to see hanging in the school hallways as a kid which said, “Only you can prevent forest fires!” Similarly, it’s up to every individual to prevent the blazing wildfires that can result from an uncontrolled tongue. Thankfully, God offers us His guidance just like a horse needs someone to hold the reins or a ship needs a captain. James sums up his discussion on the power of the tongue with these encouraging words: “But 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.
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:17-18). Scripture says that if we ask God for wisdom, He will give it to us freely (James 1:5). When we ask Him to teach us to bridle our tongues, He is more than happy to give us the wisdom it takes to do so!
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