“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
Does anybody really believe this? Words hurt. Maybe we should change this saying to: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will break my heart.”
Proverbs 18:21: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
Proverbs 12:18: “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Words are powerful. The universe was created with a word. Jesus healed and cast out demons with a word. Rulers have risen and fallen by their words. Even in our technological age, politics, business, and relationships center on words.
With our words we can praise God, pray, preach the Word, and lead the lost to Christ. But with our words we can also tell lies that ruin a person’s reputation or break a person’s heart. Our words have the ability to influence others and accomplish tremendous tasks.
The Bible book of James talks about our tongue and the power of words. He uses six pictures: a bit, a rudder, a fire, a poisonous animal, a fountain and a tree. These six pictures reveal three powers of our words.
1 – Words have the power to Direct: Bit and Rudder (James 3:1-4).
James’ first two pictures of our words are very small: a bit and a rudder. Though small they have great power. A small bit helps a rider control a horse. A small rudder helps a pilot to steer a huge ship. Though small, our tongue and our words accomplish great things.
The bit and rudder must overcome contrary forces. A bit must control the wild nature of a horse. The rudder must fight the winds and currents that drive a ship off course.
Like a bit and rudder, our words must be under control by a strong hand. When Jesus controls our words, we don’t need to fear saying the wrong things.
The words we speak affect the lives of others. A judge says ‘Guilty!’ or ‘Not guilty!’ and those words affect the destiny of a criminal and his family. The President speaks a few words and signs some papers and the nation is at war. Even a simple yes or no from a parent can direct a child’s life. Never underestimate the guidance you give by the words you speak or do not speak.
2 – Words have the Power to Destroy: Fire and Animal (James 3:5-8)
Our words are like a fire. A fire begins with just a small spark, but can grow to destroy a building or city. Our words can start fires. Like a fire, our words can ‘heat things up.’ What starts small can grow and destroy and hurt others. And if you are not careful, the fire can spread.
Do you realize that for every word in Hitler’s book, Mein Kampf, 125 lives were lost in World War 2. Our words may not have caused wars or wrecked cities, but they can break hearts and ruin reputations.
In addition, our words are like a dangerous animal. Many animals are dangerous and poisonous and cause much damage. Though many animals can be tamed by humans, the tongue cannot be tamed by humans. Only God can tame our tongue.
3 – Words have the Power to Delight: Fountain and Tree (James 3:9-12)
Our words are like a fountain that provides cool water to refresh and even keep others alive. Water is life-giving and our words can give life.
Yet, out of control water and our words can bring death and destruction. But for most of us when we think of water we think of refreshment. We could not be healthy without water.
Our words are also like a tree that brings shelter and nourishment. Our words can feed and encourage others. Our words can brighten the day of those around us.
The most important thing about a tree is the root system. If the roots are healthy, the tree is healthy. If we are rooted in God’s Word, our words will be like fruit and shade of a tree to others. If you are going to have words that delight others, you are going to have to meet with the Lord each day and learn from Him.
But you can’t have two kinds of water from a fountain or two kinds of fruit from a tree. Nature reproduces after its kind. If our words are inconsistent, something is wrong with the heart. The problem is not the tongue, it is the heart. As we fill our hearts with God’s Word, and yield to His control, we will be a delight to ourselves and others.
Words are like seeds. Once planted in your family member, your words will bring flowers or weeds, health or disease, healing or poison. You carry a great responsibility on what words you will plant. Choose wisely.
What do you think? How have words impacted your life? Who spoke words of encouragement to you? Leave a response…
You can read some of my similar articles: The Impact of a Teacher, How to have a powerful life, Leaving a legacy.