When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
James 3:3-6
In this curious little paragraph, James fixes his attention on the tongue, or maybe more correctly on what words it sends out…
Using three metaphors to make his point, James set his focus on the damage a tongue can cause. His first metaphor is a bit that is put into a horse’s mouth. By the use of a bit, a rider can control where a horse goes. Next is the rudder of a ship. This relatively small device controls a ship’s course and by adjusting the rudder, a ship can begin a whole new course for either good or ill. His third metaphor is a small spark that can set an entire forest ablaze. Small parts can do great good or great damage.
So it is with the tongue. It is a relatively small part of the body, but when it is misused, it can create tremendous damage, and set a dangerous course for its owner. Of course, the tongue itself is a metaphor, for James is not really talking bout anatomy, but the words we speak.
When we speak (or write) we chart a course of sorts; we commit ourselves. We get married by saying “I do.” We can pledge allegiance by saying the words, we can build others up by saying encouraging words, and we can tear people down with abusive words. We can give God glory and we can commit blasphemy with the words we speak. We can use our tongues to plot a course to either heaven or hell.
So what will we say today? Will we build up, or tear down. We will spread love and goodness, or will we spread evil and discord? Will we glorify God, or will we defame His name?
The choice is up to each of us.
Life Project Blog 
“The tongue also is a fire, …” and a fire of love can be spread with equal ease! “So what will we say today?”
I just love your stuff 🙂
LOL
Great word! we so need down to earth, relatable insight to the Word…”life application”. This blog was just that. A word to live by. Thank you
Thanks!
Horse – one rider. Ship – many passengers. Forest fire – multitudes. Interesting progression…
It is indeed, thanks for mentioning it Bette!
I so much appreciate your expounding upon the metaphorical implications in the passage from James. Your post is a most insightful exhortation.
I thought of this poem which reiterates the message of your post, and I trust that it will be a blessing to you.
The Power of the Tongue
But the tongue can no man tame;
it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison
James 3:8
We know the tongue has power to generate life,
To produce seeds that will eventually take root
And will bring forth two very different kinds of fruit:
Love, joy and peace or envy, confusion and strife
Can build or destroy a brother, a friend, a wife.
With his hand, the helmsman easily turns great ships,
So I covenant to guard the gates of my lips,
For words can heal or pierce the heart as a sharp knife.
I desire life and long to see good all my days,
So I speak the truth and refrain from speaking lies.
Like Jesus, I want my tongue to speak what God says.
I seek to be wise but never in my own eyes.
Pressing toward the finish, the coming of God’s kingdom,
I seek not just a word but the Spirit of wisdom.
Lonnell E. Johnson
Thank you Dr. J, this was truly a blessing, thank you so much!
Great post –It is amazing what power there is in the tongue! We have all seen in our lives the good and the evil caused by the words said or written. We are smart if we think twice and speak once, lest we do bring glory to God.
I have a prayer request today on my blog, regarding a family in my church. Please check it out and keep this family in prayer Don. Thanks!
Will do!
Thank you Don!
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