“Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire….” James 3:6
The entire town was evacuated. Over 80,000 people fled the ravaging forest fire. Displaced friends came to stay with us for nearly seven weeks. Anxiously they watched the news not knowing if their homes would survive. Such incredible devastation created from a small spark!
The fire reminded me of James 3:6 as I recalled some of the devastating “fires” that had been started by a careless tongue. Words spoken thoughtlessly, selfishly, angrily, and hastily can ignite a blaze that destroys what may take years to rebuild.
Think about what has come out of your mouth this past week. Did you carelessly throw a spark out on dry grass? Were you surprised at the quick spread of flames? Did relationships strain because you had an uncontrolled tongue? It’s easy to do. We justify it by tiredness, stressful situations, or another person’s aggravating behavior. Yet the choice of our words is entirely our own.
God has a lot to say about the tongue and the words we speak. You’ll find a wealth of wisdom in the book of Proverbs:
- Ask for God to set a guard at your mouth (Proverbs 13:3).
- Ask for His help before careless words come out of your mouth (Proverbs 12:18).
- Be quick to ask His forgiveness and the forgiveness of others when your tongue throws out sparks (Proverbs 28:13).
- When tough issues must be addressed, ask first for the help of God’s Holy Spirit as you respond (Proverbs 2:6).
- Always keep your distance from gossip. Gossip is already a small blaze. You make a choice to throw water or fuel on it as it comes to your ears and tempts your tongue (Proverbs 26:20).
You will be amazed at the difference in your relationships, your home, your job, your church, and your life when God’s help is the first call on your lips.
Father God, Your Word tells me, “He who guards his lips, guards his life” (Proverbs 13:3). Please help me today, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, to be careful with quick retorts, unsolicited opinions, and critical, sarcastic, and negative comments. Help me to mind my tongue as I would mind a match in a dry forest. Give me Your wisdom and grace when I need to address situations and issues and give me a sense of right timing in doing so. Thank You that You provide help and strength to me in this area when I call out to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Take Action
If your tongue is causing you trouble these days, read one chapter a day in the book of Proverbs. It will take about one month to do. Underline and ponder every verse that speaks about words, lips, and tongue. Keep a journal for the month and see how the atmosphere around you changes as you become a “fire fighter” in your own circle.