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Articles
Take Heed of Your Words
What is the big deal? It's just a harmless little tongue. It seems so unnecessary to fret over the words that pass through our lips. We are burdened with so many other things in our lives and the last thing we often think about is the words that we speak. We all have been told that our actions weigh heavier than our words, and “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” While these statements may be true, we still must acknowledge that words do hurt and if not carefully spoken can sever relationships forever. Many families never speak to one another, because of careless words. When we ask, “What is the big deal,” we need to realize with every fiber of our being that our words are one of the greatest indicators of our character.
The tongue without control is a raging fire that will destroy everything in its path. James devotes an entire section of his epistle to evaluating the negative effects of an unbridled tongue (3:1-12). He shows how easily a small bit in a horse’s mouth will control the entire body, and how easily we miss this idea concerning our own tongues. If we are not careful, our entire lives will be driven by our smallest member. Friendships can be lost, because of our failure to think prior to speaking. Such familial relationships, as between husbands and wives, can suffer greatly because of the misuse of words and uncontrolled tongues. One may remember the old saying, “Loose lips, sink ships.” The tongue is a foe to many and friend to few. It is a battle to gain control but one that we be willing to fight.
The effects of an uncontrolled tongue do not end with physical relationships, but more importantly the tongue can destroy our relationship with God. James plainly said, “If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless” (1:26). Is James overemphasizing the need of bridling our tongues? Did he really mean that our entire relationship with God could be destroyed by a single mindless tongue? Surely, God will understand that we are humans and that we are just doing what comes naturally. The excuses that are often made are insufficient in the sight of God. We are commanded to control our tongues; otherwise, we will pay the price. Remember the warnings of Jesus:
But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell (Matthew 5:22, NASB).
We must take note that Jesus does not give excuses for these statements but rather condemnation. Our tongues and words must be held in check.
Finally, we must remember the words of Christ concerning the words that proceed from our mouths. In Matthew 12:37, Jesus said, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Why has Jesus given so much weight to the words that we speak? He said earlier, “For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart” (12:34). We see firsthand that God requires of man the ability to control and use his tongue wisely. Our words give evidence of the character of our hearts. Therefore, we must give attention to each word that passes through our lips.
Also found within this grave warning is the idea that every word that proceeds from my mouth will be either work against me or for me in the scene of judgement. This is a very scary thought as I look back across my life, and remembering the many times that I have not controlled my tongue. Because my past spoken words have already caused such great pain within my life, I pray daily that God gives me the wisdom to better control my tongue. The very thought that my words can prevent my soul from heaven must cause great concern and willingness to learn better how to control my tongue. We may haphazardly approach the topic of words and ask, “What is the big deal?” The Bible is quite straight forward in its answer that our tongues can either destroy or improve our spiritual lives. In conclusion, a question is laid before you and me, “Will I be controlled by my tongue, or will I control it?”
