Power In Our Spoken Word

But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. [Matthew 12:36]

We as human beings have been provided with the unique and powerful gift of the only creatures on the planet that can communicate through the spoken word. How we speak to ourselves, and others can be a matter of life or death. What we allow to come into our minds (our garden), take root, and grow will either produce an abundant harvest or a basket full of weeds.

Words possess extraordinary power. Words literally and physically can bring life and death. We are all familiar with Proverbs 18:21, but it has a very important message because words can have a profound impact on the human soul.

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. [Proverbs 18:20-21]

We have a choice of the words that we speak and how they impact us and other people. We have all been wounded by words, words we have spoken to ourselves and words that have been spoken over us. I will keep reminding us throughout this message; that the words that we say to ourselves are important.

God spoke the world into being by the power of His words (message here). We are made in God’s image therefore our words also have power. We are not referring to the new age concepts of name it or claim it or that we can manifest the reality we want. We are talking about using the power of the Holy Spirit within us to speak the Word of God and to speak words that honor God. This means not only the words we speak to one another but to ourselves.

There is so much that can be talked about regarding this topic, that to be honest I’ve had to go into prayer a couple of times to get my focus on how and what to share today. Therefore, rest assured there will be many messages on this topic. Today we are going to focus on the third book of James.

If you don’t mind, I’m going to read through the entire chapter first and then we will break each passage down into bite-size nuggets.

James 3: Dear (brothers) and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my (brothers) and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

Wow, like always the Word of God is powerful and sharp! If you let it, it will pierce your heart and soul to transform your life!

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. [Hebrews 4:12]

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Dear (brothers) and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. [James 3:1]

WORDS MEAN SOMETHING: This passage is an excellent example of how important the words we speak are. Anyone who has been called to be a teacher, pastor, or minister will be held accountable not only for the words they spoke in their own lives. They will also be accountable for the words they have spoken to their followers. My heart aches for those who are altering the Word, or being deceived, or leaving things out to make it more “politically correct” so as not to offend anyone.

Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you. Just obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you. [Deuteronomy 4:2]

And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. [Revelation 22:18]

Yikes, these are the reasons I make great effort to be careful about what I share and how I share it.

NOTE: When the full Word is spoken it WILL BE offensive.

Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. [James 3:2]

OUR TONGUE MAKES US IMPERFECT: One of the most important things to remember is we are born again in the Spirit not in the flesh, so we WILL make mistakes.

• We will say things that may hurt people.
• We may damage relationships because of our words.
• We may say things that we wish didn’t come out of our mouths and we regret it immediately (has anyone else been there?)
• We may even waver in our belief and block our blessings.

The little piece of flesh residing in our mouths possesses such untamed influence that it can unleash chaos in our lives and the lives of others. Essentially, achieving perfection as human beings hinges on mastering control over our tongues. However, despite our best efforts, we find ourselves unable to tame that tongue. Fortunately, because of the Holy Spirit’s power within us, it can be tampered.

We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. [James 3:3]

THE BIT: The average weight of a horse is anywhere from 800 pounds up to 2,000 pounds. I’ve always liked this analogy because placing this small piece of metal into a horse’s mouth and utilizing it correctly gives us total control over this magnificent animal. If we want the horse to go to the right we move the reigns ever so slightly to the right, this pulls on the bit, and the horse will turn right. Same if we want to go left, backward, or around in circles. Putting pressure on the bit in a certain direction will move that horse in the direction we want it to go.

If we tried to ride the horse with just a halter and reigns without a bit, this would be an entirely different scenario. The horse would not turn when or how we would want it to turn. It possibly could simply take off running because we have no way to stop it.

And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. [James 3:4]

THE RUDDER: This analogy is also amazing. Especially when you consider a large ship and the small size of the rudder. Again, by the captain turning the wheel every so slightly or adjusting sails the rudder will help direct the boat to the right or left. Without the rudder, this boat would simply go around in circles or not move at all. I’ve had a kayak whose rudder broke off and that silly thing would not turn at all without the rudder.

In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. [James 3:5]

TINY SPARK CREATES A FOREST FIRE: I still remember the awful words that I said to a friend when I was in high school, which was way before I knew the Lord or the impact of my words. She shared that she was going to become a great singer when she grew up. I coldly said to her that she would never become a good singer because she couldn’t even carry a tune. Years later we ran into each other, and I asked her how her singing career was going. What she said broke my heart, and from that day I tried to be careful about how I responded to someone’s dreams. She said, you told me I would never be a great singer, so singing will not be my career and actually, I have stopped singing at all. It’s sad she listened to me, but also horrible that my words spoke death and had devastating consequences on her life.

Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. [Proverbs 18:20]

So as with these analogies of the bit and the rudder, our tongue can used be for good or it can be used for evil. Words from our tiny little tongue can cause a forest fire. These words are capable of shattering spirits, these words can cause deep lifetime wounds, these words can cause great pain, and these words can entice hatred and violence.

Yet, words from that tongue can also be great speeches. These words can lift a spirit that has been shattered, these types of words can be life-giving, words can uplift and encourage, these words can inspire, and these words can produce unity and love.

And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. [James 3:6]

FLAME OF FIRE: Wow, ouch.. This little thing is the most dangerous part of our body. It is where evil starts and spreads. It is likened to fire, as fire can be either constructive or destructive depending upon its containment. With fire, we can cook food, heat our homes, and have a cozy fireplace.

So, it is with our tongue. This is how we communicate, express affection, transfer the wisdom God has given us, and praise God. But like fire, the tongue can also corrupt the entire body, with sickness and disease if those words are spoken. It can also set the whole course of one’s life on fire if negative words are continually spoken.

Using the flame of a candle as an example. It’s something on the Thanksgiving table that can give ambiance and warmth to the setting. It also can set the mood for the marriage room, or it can provide heat in a small space.

However, if that candle gets knocked over it can cause a fire to run rampant throughout the home and destroy everything in it. If this was a candle in the forest and it falls over it could burn several hundred acres before it can be contained. Because fire spreads quickly and without boundaries, it can cause extensive damage, so it is with the words that we speak.

People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish [James 3:7]

TAME WILD ANIMALS: I find it interesting that the Lord didn’t say we could tame dogs or other domesticated pets. But He says we can tame reptiles and even fish. The only way I want to tame a snake (reptile) is by running it over. The main point that is being made here is we can tame wild these animals, but we cannot tame our tongues.

But no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. [James 3:8]

NO TAMING THE TONGUE: But our tongue is restless, evil, full of deadly poison, and cannot be controlled. Whatever good gift God has given us, the enemy will try to steal, kill, or destroy its goodness. The tongue is the one main thing that the devil has corrupted, which is why verse six says the tongue has been set on fire by hell. Take a look at what is going on in the world today, it all started with a thought and then words. The enemy has used and will use this to wreak havoc in our lives IF we allow him to do so.

Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. [Proverbs 21:23]

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. [Ephesians 4:29]

If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. [1 Peter 3:10]

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. [Colossians 4:5-7]

Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. [Proverbs 15:4]

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. [Galatians 5:22-23]

The only way that the tongue can be controlled is when we activate the Holy Spirit’s power that is within us. Mediate on the Words (scriptures above) and speak them out loud. The first one is another one of my favorites, to the point, in your face, that it is the way it’s done!

Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. [James 3:9]

WISHY WASHY TONGUE: The perfect example of this could be when we get distracted in church. You have your hands lifted and you are physically praising the Lord and at the same time saying what the heck is she wearing, she looks like a… Girlfriends, watch that tongue, take every thought captive!

And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my (brothers) and sisters, this is not right! [James 3:10]

BLESSING AND CURSES: No this is not right; this is not right my friends. Every single day we speak words that are curses. A blessing is anything we speak according to God’s Word. A curse is anything we say contrary to God’s word.

Here’s an example: If you say out loud, I have a headache and it feels like I have a cold coming on; this is a curse. God’s words says we are healed, so instead we should speak to that headache and the symptoms that they have no place in our body. Speak to this antichrist spirit to leave your body in Jesus name, this is speaking a blessing.

I’m going to have us do a little exercise to check the words that come out of our mouths. For the next 24 hours starting from when you are listening or reading this message. Make a note of every word you speak and discern if it’s a blessing or a curse. If it’s a curse, immediately turn it into a blessing over your life. Find a scripture that you can speak over yourself contrary to the curse.

Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? [James 3:11]

FRESH & SALT WATER: these analogies used in these scriptures are great visuals. A spring should and can only produce fresh water. The ocean should and can only produce salt water. Our tongues and thoughts should also be consistent and always produce blessings. It’s confusing to be producing blessings and curses from the same source. This should not be the case that two things come from our tongues, but it does.

Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring. [James 3:12]

SPIRT, SOUL, AND BODY: I don’t know about you but there are moments when my thoughts are painful, condemning, and hurtful. To be honest, it is frustrating as much time that I spend in the Word, yet still, my thoughts still are not 100% pure. These are the moments that it MUST become an all-out war, or you will go into the emotional pit of hell or depression quickly.

Let me take a little time to share with you why we have this struggle.

We are made up of three parts. We have a spirit man (always), soul (sometimes), and body (never).

Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit, and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. [1 Thessalonians 5:23-24]

Our spirit man is who we REALLY are in Christ. The spirit is perfect, 100% healed, and whole. The spirit man always pleases God and always has perfect thoughts. Our spirit is consistent and constant just as God is.

Our soul is our mind, will, and emotions. Our minds and emotions fluctuate and are not always the same. They will produce a blessing or the curse. Our souls will sometimes please God, IF we renew our minds.

2 Corinthians 10:5: We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

Our body is the flesh, carnal man. Our body has to be controlled. It will never want to please God.

Galatians 5:17: The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.

What a mess, our fig trees are trying to produce olives, and our olive trees are trying to produce figs, and our freshwater spring is trying to produce salt water. Urggh

Our spirit man is constantly at war with our flesh. Our mind is stuck in the middle. Whether or not we renew our minds will determine the outcome of our thoughts, actions, and results. We have to be disciplined (we have to fight) to put our minds on the side of the spirit man. Take every thought captive and teach them to think like the spirit thinks. When we do this, we can be transformed instead of being conformed to the spirit of evil. (Will go more in-depth about the spirit, soul, and body in a separate message).

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. [James 3:13]

LIVE HONORABLY: Thank you, Lord, for giving us your Word to encourage, lift us up, and guide us.

The way we can be sure our fig tree produces figs, (we live an honorable life), our olive trees produce olives, (do good works) and our springs produce fresh water. (wisdom), is by being in the Word and allowing it to transform our thinking. From our thoughts will be what comes out of our mouths/tongues. We are not to live like everyone else does. We want to live honorably, have humility, and do everything with wisdom.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. [Romans 12:2]

It all goes back to meditating on the Word to be transformed which gives us the ability to not live like unbelievers. Changing the way we THINK.

But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. [James 3:14]

COVERING UP THE TRUTH: Look at how people portray themselves on social media and then they become a headline on the news for being murdered. We are commanded to diligently guard our words and our actions. We are encouraged to conduct ourselves with wisdom and to have a passion for what is honest and the truth. However, when one’s passion is diverted into self-obsessed actions or follows in an ungodly direction, it can have a devastating effect.

Social media can be used as a fantastic medium to share the Word of God. But it also can be used for self-promotion, boasting, and to cover up what is really going on behind closed doors and in people’s hearts and minds.

For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. [James 3:15]

We have a choice as to which wisdom we will walk in. God’s wisdom or worldly wisdom. Which will you choose?

Worldly wisdom is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. It is the kind of wisdom that leads to bitter envy, selfish ambition, strife, and contention. Having these types of thoughts will bring forth curses from our tongues.

Godly wisdom is heavenly and brings humility, honesty, and strong moral principles. It is the kind of wisdom that leads to peace, harmonious relationships, and unselfish behaviors.

Now we don’t want to disregard worldly wisdom or to never use this wisdom. However, our firm foundation should be on the wisdom that comes from the Word.

For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. [James 3:16]

What we put into our minds by what we listen to, who we listen to, movies we watch, etc. will impact us in a negative or positive way. I have a confession to make, during moments I don’t want to think I watch crime-themed videos; it fascinates me to see how people handle life situations and the choices they make are unbelievable (however, it might not be the best thing to put into my mind). I share this with you because if you look at any one of the high-profile crimes like Scott Peterson, Jody Arias, or Gabby Petito each of these horrendous crimes all started with jealousy and self-ambitious thoughts. Where there is jealousy and self-ambition you WILL find disorder and evil of every kind.

If you think about this, it’s sobering and terrifying. However, it clearly shows the power of thoughts and words. It all begins with a thought, then thoughts become words, then words become actions. The more we think about a thought the more it will become a reality. Scott thought about how he would kill and dispose of his family over a period of months until it became an action.

When the scripture says we need to take our thoughts captive, it means we not even opening the door to let them in. Think of thoughts alike guests that pop into our home uninvited. We can choose whether or not we even open the door to this person, let them in, entertain them, feed them, and maybe even let them spend the night.

Likewise, we can choose whether or not we are going to open the door to a thought or keep that door closed. When you keep that door closed that thought will immediately go away. However, if you choose to open the door and invite that negative thought into your heart and soul, it will be a lot harder to get them back out the door.

Now that they are inside you start entertaining them, and then you feed these thoughts with tea and cookies. You think about them more and continue to entertain them. You are having so much fun that you let them spend the night. Once they have spent the night you have ushered in disorder and evil of every kind.

Be very careful of the thoughts you allow your mind to have and the words you speak.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. [James 3:17]

WORDS ARE LIKE SEEDS. The seeds we sow, and nurture will sprout into plants. We must understand that our words are seeds that can bring a blessing or a curse. We need to be thoughtful and intentional about the things that we say. We should do our very best to use words that encourage and bring honor to the Lord.

Are we speaking words that build up others or words that destroy them? Are our words filled with jealousy and selfish ambition? Are the words we speak bringing bitterness or blessing? Are the words we are saying complaints or compliments? Are our words coming from lust or love? Are the words we are speaking victory or defeat?

Wow, the words we speak should first come from the PURE wisdom of the Word. They should be words that are peace-loving, gentle at all times, words that yield to others, words that are full of mercy, words that are of good fruit, words that show no favoritism, and words that are always sincere. No way can this be done without the power of the Holy Spirit. (not for me anyway).

And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. [James 3:18]

WE WILL GIVE AN ACCOUNT. It’s my desire to plant seeds of peace and righteousness. I hope this message has given you wisdom on the importance of our words and the incredible power of our tongue to either bring life or death to not only our own lives but the lives of others. It’s not an option as a believer to take our thoughts captive – it’s a commandment.

Words are so important that we are going to give an account of every word we have spoken when we stand before the Lord. The words we have spoken will either usher us into heaven or hell. This passage to me is so sobering. This should snap us out of any complacency that anyone might have regarding the power of words.

But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. [Matthew 12:36–37]

16 Facts About The Tongue

1. WORDS MEAN SOMETHING
2. OUR TONGUE MAKES US IMPERFECT
3. THE BIT
4. THE RUDDER
5. TINY SPARK CREATES A FOREST FIRE
6. FLAME OF FIRE
7. TAME WILD ANIMALS
8. NO TAMING THE TONGUE
9. WISHY-WASHY TONGUE
10. BLESSING AND CURSES
11. FRESH & SALT WATER
12. SPIRIT, SOUL, AND BODY
13. LIVE HONORABLY
14. COVERING UP THE TRUTH
15. WORDS ARE LIKE SEEDS
16. WE WILL GIVE AN ACCOUNT