“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21).
Our Father who are in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Thank You for walking with me on this journey. Please continue speaking Lord, that I may share Your lessons with others. I will be careful to give You all the honor, glory, and praise. In the name of Jesus Christ I have prayed. Amen.
Today we will continue talking about the harvest produced by our tongue, and its effect on both hearers and speakers.
“The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell” (James 3:6b, c).
There are three parts to this portion of Scripture that are worth paying special attention to:
- The position of the tongue, and the effect it has on the entire body. The tongue is a most important organ inside of the mouth. The minute the mouth is opened, the tongue is revealed. It is so important, that when it is misused, the whole body becomes contaminated, because what comes out reveals what is within.
- The damage caused by the tongue can have a ripple effect. The damage produced is not just for the moment. Its effect can last a lifetime, and could pass from generation to generation if internalized by the hearers. It can destroy dreams, and joy, and peace. It can ruin relationships forever. Even after an apology is given, the scars may remain.
- The origin of the destructive force of words, spoken with the intention to destroy, and at the wrong time, is easily discerned. Jesus said, “The thief (Satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10, emphasis supplied). The word for hell used in our text is not Hades, the word used often in the New Testament to refer to hell, but to the garbage dump outside the gates of Jerusalem, that was usually burning or smoking (which became a symbol of the final punishment for the wicked).
The final place of punishment, or hell as we know it, was created, not for us, but for the originator of words that destroy (Matthew 25:41)!
Therefore, let us be careful to watch our tongue!