Beware of the Devastating Fire the Tongue Can Ignite

Daily Devotional – Tuesday, March 22, 2022

…the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!

James 3:5 (NKJV)

I have witnessed several fires destroy people’s property, livelihoods and peace of mind. The victims end up depending on well-wishers for everything. Some sink into depression and lose their dignity in the process.

Did you know there is another fire that is more devastating? Here is James’ description of it: “…the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!” (James 3:5-6).

The Tongue is a Fire, a World of Iniquity

James adds, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.” (Verse 6). Moreover, “It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” (Verse 8).

All around us are families and relationships that disintegrated due to foul, unrefined, uncouth speech, gossip and slander. Some people no longer go to church because fellow believers judged and criticized them unfairly.

Escaping the Trap of a Wild Tongue

How can we avoid the trap of misusing the tongue and causing spiritual and emotional fires among brothers and sisters? Jesus said, “…out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34).

We must invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts. That way, our thoughts attitudes and motives will change. As a result, “…our speech should always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that we may know how we ought to answer each one.” (Colossians 4:6).

Prayer

Lord Jesus, please help me to control my tongue so that it edifies others to the glory of Your Name.