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Understanding the Power of the Tongue – Viral Believer
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Understanding the Power of the Tongue

Introduction

In our daily lives, we often use words without much thought, not realizing the power they possess. As Christians, it is essential for us to comprehend the power of the tongue and its impact on ourselves, others, and our relationship with God.

The Bible teaches us that our words can either bring life or death, healing or destruction. As followers of Christ, we must learn to harness the power of our speech to align with God’s will and to use our words wisely and responsibly.

In this blog post, we will delve into the significance of the power of the tongue as presented in the Bible, specifically in the New King James Version (NKJV).

We will explore what the Scripture says about the consequences of our words, the importance of taming the tongue, and how we can utilize our speech to honor God and edify others.

By the end of this post, you will have a deeper understanding of the power of the tongue and practical steps to harness this power for the glory of God.

The power of the tongue

The Consequences of Our Words

The Bible is explicit about the immense power our words hold. Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV) states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” This verse illustrates that our words can bring life or death, figuratively and literally, and we will reap the consequences of the words we speak.

Moreover, Jesus Himself emphasizes the weight of our words. In Matthew 12:36-37 (NKJV), He says, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

This passage serves as a reminder that our words matter, and we will be held accountable for what we say.

The Importance of Taming the Tongue

James, in his epistle, provides an extensive exposition on the importance of taming the tongue. He compares the tongue to a small rudder that controls a massive ship (James 3:4, NKJV) and to a small fire that can set an entire forest ablaze (James 3:5, NKJV).

These analogies highlight that although the tongue is a small organ, it possesses incredible power and potential for both good and evil.

In James 3:8-10 (NKJV), we are reminded of the inconsistency of an untamed tongue:

“But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.”

This passage emphasizes the necessity of controlling our speech, as it should not be a tool for both blessing and cursing.

Using Our Words to Honor God and Edify Others

As Christians, we are called to use our words to honor God and build up those around us. Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV) instructs us, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

Our speech should be seasoned with grace and love, promoting unity and growth within the body of Christ.

In Colossians 4:6 (NKJV), Paul encourages believers to be mindful of their speech, saying, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

By speaking with wisdom and grace, we can effectively share the love of Christ and lead others towards a deeper relationship with Him.

Proverbs 16:24 (NKJV) beautifully illustrates the power of kind and gentle words: “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” When we speak life-giving words to others, we can bring healing and nourishment to their souls.

In contrast, harsh words can wound deeply and have lasting negative effects. Therefore, it is crucial to choose our words carefully and use them to bless others.

Practical Steps to Harness the Power of the Tongue

To harness the power of the tongue, we must first acknowledge our need for God’s help in controlling our speech. We can pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide our words and help us use them for God’s glory. Psalm 141:3 (NKJV) is a fitting prayer: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.”

Furthermore, we should practice self-awareness and strive to think before we speak. As James 1:19 (NKJV) counsels, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

By being intentional with our words, we can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that our speech aligns with God’s will.

Finally, we should immerse ourselves in Scripture and make a conscious effort to apply biblical principles to our speech. The more we understand God’s Word, the better equipped we will be to harness the power of our tongue for His glory.

In Conclusion

The power of the tongue is an essential aspect of our walk with Christ. Our words carry the potential to bring life or death, to build up or tear down, to bless or curse. As followers of Jesus, we must be diligent in taming our tongues and using our speech to honor God and edify others.

Let us remember the words of Proverbs 12:18 (NKJV): “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.” May we strive to be among the wise, using our words to bring healing, encouragement, and life to those around us.

As we grow in our understanding and control of the power of the tongue, we can better reflect the love and grace of our Savior, impacting the world for His glory.

Let us commit to harnessing the power of our tongue, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom in our speech, and using our words to further His kingdom. By doing so, we can make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those we encounter and glorify our Heavenly Father through our words.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.