The Power of Your Words
How to use your words for good and not bad.
Your words are very powerful.
They can be used for good or evil.
James discusses the power of our words in James 3:1-12. He uses two positive examples of the power of our words and then one negative example.
Your words can influence the behavior of others.
Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. (James 3:3)
James begins with the example of putting a bit in a horse’s mouth to turn it to the left or right. The horse is much more powerful than you, but you can control the horse and influence the direction it travels.
When we keep our words under control, we can influence the behavior of others for good. Correctly applying the strength of your words can motivate someone to change their behavior for the better.
Consider how you can better use your words to motivate someone - your child, your co-worker, your student - to change their course of action. Every person is different, so tailor your approach to what you know about that individual.
Your words can help you navigate difficult situations.
Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. (James 3:4-5)
You are likely placed in stressful situations regularly.
Maybe your children are moving much too slowly toward the bed (or one of your kids keeps getting up from naptime). Perhaps the company where you work has had a difficult month, and everyone is feeling stressed about their job.
Just like a small rudder steers a ship through stormy seas, so our words help us navigate difficult moments in life.
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)
The next time you find yourself in a frustrating or stressful situation, instead of letting your emotions take over, wisely use your words to help you navigate that “storm.”
Use your words to deescalate the situation instead of throwing gasoline on the fire.
Your words can destroy everyone around you.
See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 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. (James 3:5-6)
After two positive examples of the power of our words used correctly, James turns his attention to a negative example. When we fail to control our words, it’s like a forest fire raging out of control.
In 2018, the town of Paradise was utterly destroyed by an out-of-control forest fire. Many people lost all they owned - some even lost their lives.
If we let our words “out of their cage,” they can destroy relationships with the people we love the most.
Follow what James says when you feel tempted to say what’s on your mind.
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20
When you feel angry, tell yourself to listen and think first. Then, speak - but keep your words contained. It’s not worth letting your words get out of control.