To do justice to this topic, this is the first study in a short series of articles.
The Bible presents a profound perspective on the natural power of words. It suggests that what comes from our tongues can wield significant influence over our lives and the lives of others. To underline this, Scriptures like Proverbs 18:21 remind us, ‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.’ In essence, this means that our words can carry the weight of life or death, and they bear consequences that we will experience directly.
Through various passages, the Bible doesn’t just highlight the physical aspects of words but points to their spiritual and moral implications. It teaches that words have the capacity to bless and enrich, as reflected in the book of James, where it says, ‘With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.’ This duality of our speech reflects our choice to use our tongue as an instrument of good or harm.
The impact of speech is not just an abstract principle but a lived experience in our community and interpersonal relationships, Proverbs 10:11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. The Bible encourages believers to foster speech that builds up rather than destroys, thereby contributing to a harmonious and edifying social fabric. Leaders, in particular, are advised to be mindful of their words, knowing they have a profound effect on those they lead.
The ancient wisdom contained in the Bible about the power of words is timeless and continues to resonate in today’s world. It challenges us to consider the effect and significance of our words and the ripple effects they can create. Through my exploration of the biblical view on this subject, I aim to provide insight into how we can harness the positive potential of our words for a constructive impact on ourselves and those around us.
The Tongue as a Source of Wisdom and Folly
Great Gift for Men, Women and Kids
The book of Proverbs doesn’t mince words when differentiating between the wise and the foolish. It’s a masterclass in understanding the profound influence of our speech. A recurring theme is the stark contrast drawn between the tongue that articulates wisdom and the one prone to foolishness, Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness.
Wise speech is depicted as a wellspring of knowledge. It’s where understanding and insight flow like rivers of fresh water. Solomon, famed for his wisdom, emphasizes that those who guard their lips preserve their lives, suggesting that speech is not only a reflection of the heart but a factor in our destiny.
The consequences of careless chatter are equally laid bare. Rash words are likened to attacking someone with a sword, and a gossiping tongue can wreak havoc in a community, Proverbs 12:18 There is that speaks like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. It’s emphasised time and again: words carry weight, and once spoken, they cannot be retracted.
Recognizing the significant and enduring effects of our words sets the stage for the valuable lessons found in the New Testament epistle of James, where believers are called to a higher standard of speech. The bridge is clear — wisdom from Proverbs about the power of the tongue resonates with James’ teachings on taming the tongue.
Taming the Tongue: Lessons from James
James 3:5-8 “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”
In the New Testament, the book of James, he offers some of the most succinct advice on the topic of speech. James, a man of profound insight, does not mince words when he describes the tongue as a small part of the body but one that boasts of great exploits. He likens it to a tiny spark that can set a great forest ablaze — a vivid image that illustrates the tongue’s potential for widespread chaos, Proverbs 26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goes out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceases.
This epistle paints a picture of the tongue’s capacity to direct one’s life, much like the rudder steers a ship. This analogy speaks volumes about the influence of our words. I find it particularly striking as it suggests that with just a few uttered words, we can change the course of our own lives or even influence the trajectory of those around us.
But the real challenge comes in taming this unruly part of our being. James asserts that no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil full of deadly poison. Yet, this does not absolve anyone from striving to control their speech. Instead, it calls for heightened awareness and persistent effort to ensure that what emerges from our mouths is not harmful or destructive.
An important lesson here is the inconsistency James points out — from the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be so, he declares. The stark reminder here is to bring in line, our words with our beliefs. If we profess kindness and faith, then our language should reflect this. If we profess truth and love, then we should not be demolishing the life of another person with words. Words have the power to undermine and weaken or to build up and strengthen, Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”. As we transition to the next article, it becomes clear how the tongue, used with intention and control, can express genuine repentance and lead to transformative confessions. In this spirit, the positive power of our words is not just a theoretical concept but a real, actionable path to healing and constructive change in our lives.
Thank you, Rev. Solomon, for this enlightening exploration of the power of words from a biblical perspective. Your detailed analysis of scriptures, from Proverbs to James, highlights the profound influence our speech can have on our lives and communities. The distinction between wise and foolish speech, as well as the challenges of taming the tongue, resonates deeply, reminding us of the responsibility we hold in our daily conversations.
In my time on earth, I have witnessed the power of the tongue to hurt and to bless. I taught Speech in a Christian school for a few years. In my very first lessons, I taught about the power of the tongue. The first assignment I gave was for each student to memorize the passage on the tongue in James 3 and recite it to the class. I hope that assignment still resonates with those students, though it has been 30 years since I taught.
– Scott
Thank you, Scott, for sharing your experience and for the encouraging words. It’s inspiring to hear how you emphasized the power of the tongue in your teaching. May those lessons continue to impact your students’ lives. Blessings!
hi there
I like that the exploration of the significance of the tongue in the Bible is an enlightening journey that sheds light on the profound wisdom embedded within ancient texts.
Your article beautifully illustrates how the tongue serves as a powerful tool, capable of both healing and harming, based on the words we choose to utter. By delving into various biblical passages, it not only unveils the importance of using our speech wisely but also encourages introspection on how we communicate with others. It prompts us to ponder:
Thanks for this inspiring piece.
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback Troy! I’m glad the article resonated with you. Reflecting on the power of our words is crucial, and I’m pleased it inspired you. Blessings!