So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And 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.
People can tame all kinds of animals and birds and reptiles and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it breaks out into curses against those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Can you pick olives from a fig tree or figs from a grapevine? No, you can’t draw fresh water from a salty pool. James 3:5-12
The Lord is continuing to show me the importance of watching what comes out of our mouths. If you read chapter 3 of James, you’ll see that a multitude of hurt can come from that little area of our faces.
In 2 Kings 2:23-25, Elisha had just picked up Elijah’s mantle as he was caught up into heaven. He went on his way, divided the river and healed the waters of Jericho. He went on to Bethel and some boys called him bald head so he cursed them “in the name of the LORD” and some bears came out and mauled 42 of them. He went on his way leaving the carnage behind him. So there! Call ME bald head.
Nehemiah, in Nehemiah 13, went to Jerusalem and discovered the storerooms of the Temple of our God had been converted to store someone’s personal items.Then, he discovered the Levites and worship leaders hadn’t gotten paid, so they left to work their fields. He then saw men of Judah working and selling produce on the Sabbath to Judeans, in Jerusalem.
His last straw was discovering some men of Judah had married women from other places. “So I confronted them and called down curses on them. I beat some of them and pulled out their hair.” Nehemiah means: Jehovah comforts. Not a lot of comforting or encouragement going on here. Nehemiah lost his cool.
And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! James 3:10
In Acts 8, Simon the sorcerer heard Philip teaching about the Messiah and, “Then Simon believed and was baptized.” Acts 8:13 He witnessed the miracles and signs Philip performed. Peter and John went to Samaria when they heard about all the new believers and laid their hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit, which they did. Simon wanted to pay Peter and John so he could receive the Holy Spirit and be able to lay hands on others so they could receive the Holy Spirit.
But Peter replied, “May your money perish with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought! You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right before God. Turn from your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive your evil thoughts, for I can see that you are full of bitterness and held captive by sin.” “Pray to the Lord for me,” Simon exclaimed, “that these terrible things won’t happen to me!” Acts 8:20-24
Excuse me Peter, Simon was a brand new believer and as such, his heart was right before God. He didn’t know how to receive the Holy Spirit so he was asking with an as yet, unrenewed mind based on what he knew! And, by the way, did you pray for him like he asked you to?!
Peter told Simon in verse 21 that he could have no part in this.
When I was stationed in Korea, I started going to a women’s group in my dorm. It was good and I liked being with these sisters in the Lord. Well, a guy from my orderly room had glaucoma and the Lord told me to invite him to our group so we could pray for healing. It took a few tries, but Leonard finally came and I laid my hands on him and he was miraculously healed! Praise Jesus!! Well, the next week, the “leader” told me that I wasn’t welcome any more because: “You don’t really love Jesus because you smoke cigarettes.”
When I was living in Montana, the Lord told me that He wanted me to help in the children’s ministry. I went to the “leader” and told her and she told me very unkindly, “We don’t want or need your help.”
Then Jesus called to the crowds and said, “Listen to what I say and try to understand. You are not defiled by what you eat; you are defiled by what you say and do.” Matthew 15:10
In Matthew 15, Jesus teaches us about inner purity and the importance of our words. Remember, our words speak death or Life. Proverbs 18:21
I hear it and see it everywhere: I’m at the commissary and the wife is hagging on her husband. It wears me out listening to her and he has to live with her! I see it on social media. People just blatantly saying things to injure another’s heart. I hear it at church, Lord help us. I’ve experienced it at church. I’ve done it!
Last year as I was driving along, this red hotrod with slicks came tearing up behind me. The guy almost hit my rear quarter panel, tore around me and almost hit my front quarter panel. I called him a bad name and very aggressively told him he was number one. Still, small voice, “That wasn’t very gracious.” “But Lord, he scared me and almost hit me.” “Now you’re rationalizing.” “Forgive me, Lord, You are absolutely correct.” My middle name is Rae, which means ‘full of grace’. There wasn’t any grace in that moment.
Why do we do it? We don’t want to examine ourselves or ask Jesus to judge us and reveal those ugly places in our hearts. I’ve heard people say, “It’s just the way I am.” NO, it’s how you’re choosing to be. We also have our opinions and offer them when no one is asking and blah blah blah.
For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Galatians 6:5
“Will it be well when He examines you? Or will you deceive Him as one deceives a man? Job 13:9
I lie in the dust, completely discouraged: revive me by your word. Psalm 119:25
I used to volunteer at Gabi’s elementary school library. There was as young man, Dylan, in there one day and I kept hearing him say, “I guess I’m just stupid. I’m dumb and I don’t know anything.” I walked over to him and I said, “You aren’t dumb, bud. You just told your friend here all kinds of interesting things about sharks that I never knew. You’re smart.” His whole countenance changed and he stood taller. He said, “Yeah! I’m NOT stupid!” He never forgot that and I saw him again in junior high and he was doing well! Praise Jesus!
I was in the commissary another time and this old Vietnam vet was demeaning his little Asian wife to the point where she was almost in tears. I silently prayed and walked over and stood next to him. He chilled a bit, but his wife walked behind me to look for something else. I turned and walked over to her. I put my arms around her and held her a minute and told her that she was a good, faithful wife and kissed her on the cheek. I then walked over to him. He was looking flabbergasted. I gently squeezed his arm and told him, “She’s a good and faithful wife. Cherish her.” The Lord’s presence was tangible and beautiful.
I share these examples from my own walk, not to bring credit or attention to myself, but to encourage you to lift others out of the dust with all the love and kindness of Jesus in you.
Pay attention, my child, to what I say. Listen carefully. Don’t lose sight of my words. Let them penetrate deep within your heart, for they bring Life and radiant health to anyone who discovers their meaning. Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do. Proverbs 4:20-23
My heart is not to judge Elisha, Nehemiah and Peter. They were people like us and were still learning and growing in the Lord as well. They are examples for us.
Remember beloved ones, there is Life and death in the power of the tongue. Proverbs 18:21
Father, may we speak Life to those around us. Help us Holy Spirit, give us the words of Life to those around us. Help us to be aware of those lying in the dust, completely discouraged and to lift them up. Amen.
