The Power of the Tongue

Perhaps one reason that Christians are not known for a distinctive way of life on the internet is that we have overlooked the importance of the tongue. For instance, in my childhood, there was a common saying: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!"

It was a bold way to let a bully know that their taunting was ineffective. But unfortunately, it was false. And neither was it that effective!

The truth is that words—or even silence—can deeply wound us. When we speak, we need to understand that we are playing with fire.

When was the last time you thought through the power of your words?

If an in-person fight can cause damage, what about a fight on social media, where our words can linger for years or decades?

In today's lesson, we are going to consider how James 3:5-12 demonstrates the significance of this question.

So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

It was a bold way to let a bully know that their taunting was ineffective. But unfortunately, it was false. And neither was it that effective!

The truth is that words—or even silence—can deeply wound us. When we speak, we need to understand that we are playing with fire.

When was the last time you thought through the power of your words?

If an in-person fight can cause damage, what about a fight on social media, where our words can linger for years or decades?

In today's lesson, we are going to consider how James 3:5-12 demonstrates the significance of this question.

Teaching

Scripture

Reflection Questions

Discussion Question