Read
2We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way. 3We can make a large horse turn around and go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4And a tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong. 5So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness that can ruin your whole life. It can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
Reflect
During World War II, the Office of War Information officials felt that the most urgent problem on the home front was the careless leaking of sensitive information that could be picked up by spies and saboteurs. A common saying was “Loose Lips Sink Ships”. Numerous messages to the public such as this one encouraged secrecy. Americans were forced to face the fact that loose conversation could kill someone.
James made this point a couple of thousand years ago. He knew the power of loose talk. A wrong word, even inadvertent, can do enormous damage. As Christians, we are to speak love to others. We are to build other people up, not tear them down. We need to ask God to give us strength to control our tongue.
Respond
How can we guard ourselves against tearing others down instead of building them up?
How can we build each other up?
Have you ever said something hurtful to someone that you regret? If so, how can you repair that relationship?
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