Devotionals

The Power of the Tongue

by Jenor Aguilar
04/17/20
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Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well (James 3:1-2).

The tongue is a vital part of the human body. A most common function of the tongue is in the act of swallowing food. It has significance in the digestive system and is the vital organ of taste in the gustatory system. According to some experts, the tongue also serves as a natural means of cleaning the teeth, enabling speech and vocalization. That's why James chapter three deals with the significant issues of the human tongue in our character.

James used some specific examples of how to describe the power of the tongue. Our tongue used to compare with the rudder of the ship, a bit of the horse, and the fire in the forest. According to James, our tongue has an essential function in our body, although it's a bit small but capable of making a powerful impact.

For example, let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such, we will incur a stricter judgment. We understand and learned great things because of our teachers. In fact, without them, we are not able to achieve this elevated status in life. We valued so much their contribution despite their imperfection.

Being a teacher, you must undergo stricter judgment. You have to because you will handle the truth. God-given us the ability to subdue the animals, but sometimes we don't have the power to bridle our tongue. We need to be careful; maybe there's a possibility that you will slip with your tongue.

Your speech must be full of grace and wisdom (Colossians 4:6). The "wisdom" that James indicate in this chapter: is not earthly, natural, and demonic but from God. Meaning, it's pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, and without hypocrisy (James 3:15-17).

Therefore, as a servant of Christ, our perfect teacher is the Holy Spirit resided in us. Our tongue is part of our physical body, and we need to be careful with our words. If we claimed to be a wise man yet still an arrogant, selfish and a liar; consequently, you are not sowing the right seed of peace and producing the fruit of righteousness (James 3:18).