Be Careful What You Say

by Bro. Brian Archer
09/09/2023

Suggested Reading: James 3:3-10

James 3:5 - “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”

On August 5, 2023, in Godley, TX, a large brush fire burned nearly 1,500 acres of land. The good news is that the fire did not burn any houses, it just burned a lot of pasture land. The fire used a lot of the city’s resources and involved many people. There were over 30 fire trucks on site the first day of the fire on August 6th with four Air Bosses, two heavy helicopters, and a 737 assisting. This fire is said to have started with just a little spark from a welder.

According to God's Word, the tongue is potentially more destructive than a match or spark during bushfire season. The uncontrolled tongue can spark a human fire that can rage for days, months, or even years; destroying relationships, families, and churches.

"Something To Tame"
I have seen what words can do,
As I deal with people everywhere;
The tongue is powerful, it's true!
Something to tame and use with care.

I've seen spiteful words ruin a life
And gentle words heal and bless;
I've seen careless words stir up strife
And tender words ease distress.

I've watched silence speak out loud
And idle chatter bring mischief;
Seen timely words persuade a crowd
And hasty words end in grief.

I've seen people eat their words
Who can't seem to hold their tongue;
Watched them take the shame it affords
When they are later proved wrong.

My tongue, too, can go astray,
So, dear Lord, help me watch with care
To whom I'd speak and what I'd say,
How I'd speak and when and where.
-By Abimbola T. Alabi

WHY MUST I WATCH WHAT I SAY?
1. My tongue directs where I go. (verses 4-5a)
“Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things.”

2. My tongue can destroy what I have. (verses 5b-6)
“Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.”

3. My tongue displays who I am. (verses 9-10)
“Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”

As Christians, we must be very careful with what we say.

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