“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
In the original language this literally says “the hand of the tongue”. That’s kind of a creepy sci-fi sounding sight. The point being that at times we can literally reach out and grab another’s heart and soul with what we say. Jesus’s half brother James makes this point in the New Testament book with his name on it. He writes at length about how the tongue is like a spark that can start a wild fire and the rudder that steers a ship. Jesus spoke life into many situations. We are able to do the same. We have all been wounded by others words and maybe even wounded another the same way. We admire motivational and inspirational speakers. We run from those whose words sadden or wound our soul. There are numerous stories of how a teacher, coach, grandparent or other adult changed the course of a child’s life with words that were spoken to them. Employees can be built up or torn down the same way. I read this yesterday, “That girl you called a slut in class today. She’s a virgin. The boy you called lame. He has to work every night to support his family. That girl you called fat. She’s starving herself. The old man you made fun of cause of the ugly scars. He fought for our country. The boy you made fun of for crying. His mother is dying. You think you know them. You don’t.” Words are life impacting. Today use your words to speak life and be kind. #BeTheEdge #LoveJesusBeKind
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.” James 3:9 NIV
