The Power of the Tongue

God used His tongue for good in the beginning when He spoke the world of perfect beauty and unimaginable peace into being, and all of its inhabitants into existence, and said, “It is good.” Genesis 1 and 2

Yet, because of Lucifer’s jealousy, he said.  “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit on the mount of assembly on the heights of Zaphon; I will ascend to the tops of the clouds, I will make myself like the Most High”  Isaiah 14:12-14

Things went downhill from there when the snake made its promises to Adam and Eve that they could be like God, and the tongue’s spectrum of versatility has not changed much to this day.  The same tongue that can tell lies, gossip, judge, justifies evil, condemns people to death, curses, and so much more; is also the same tongue that has the power to speak words of wisdom, to bless, to speak words of love, to encourage, to build up, to speak truth, to bring peace, and to give life.

The tongue is capable of good and evil. Like a weathervane that moves at the whim of the wind, the tongue can bring blessings or break hearts at the whim of a person’s emotions.

But do not lose heart, for in the end Jesus is victorious. When He said His last powerful words before His death, “It is finished.” He conquered all that is evil, and though it sometimes feels impossible to tame our own tongues or stop that of others, we can give over our concerns to the Lord and ask Him to speak His words of life, to bless, and to love through our mouth.
…Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!…  James 3:3-5

The tongue has way too much power for it being such a small member of our bodies. Only God knows how many lives have been wonderfully blessed, deeply affected, or destroyed by its might.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue… Proverbs 18:21

Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. Proverbs 13:3
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things, but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.  Proverbs 13:2

For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. Matthew 12:37

Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.  Proverbs 10:19

Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk, and so the innocent escape trouble. Proverbs 12:13

Thank you God for your words of love and comfort for those who are willing to call you Father.

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By ~ Elizabeth Yalian 2013-2014 ©http://hiseyeisonthissparrow.com. ♛