Look at the ships too: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are nevertheless directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot determines. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.
See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our body’s parts as that which defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. – James 3:4-6
Have you ever said something only to regret it right away? Whether an outburst in the middle of a frustrating moment or something that negatively impacted someone else, we all have made mistakes with words. Instead of being directed by Christ, our words are often directed on our feelings. They are warm and encouraging when we feel positive and cold and biting when we are in a bad mood or frustrated. Unfortunately, our words often have an impact long past when they are spoken and can tear down walls in our relationships with others.
James describes speech as a flame that can cause much more damage than we realize. The things we say don’t just impact others; they impact us too. We are damaged and wounded when we speak recklessly as we move farther away from Christ and the life we were made for in Him. When our speech is not directed by Christ, it does great harm in our relationship with God and others. But when our words are under the direction of Christ, they can have a great impact in the kingdom of God and serve as an encouragement to others.
- How have you been impacted by your own careless words? What is some other damage reckless words can cause?
- How have you seen hurtful words impact your relationships? How have you seen them affect your relationship with God?
- Pray and repent of times you’ve hurt others with your words.
