This study was taught at our Sunday evening service by Sim Forder, one of our pastors, on the 30th August 2020. You can listen to the audio on this web page or save it for later listening.

In this study we considered what James wrote in James 3:1-12 where he spoke of the power of our tongues – comparing them to bits which are small in comparison to a horse, but able to change the direction of this powerful animal; to the small rudders which are able to change the entire direction of a large ship; and how a single flame can start an uncontrollable fire.

In a similar way, our words can do great damage – through lying, gossiping, quarrelling, flattering, harsh speaking and deceit. And the Bible is not silent on these subjects! Sometimes, the wise thing is to say nothing (see Proverbs 17:27-28) but we can and should use words for good purposes too;

There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

Proverbs 12:18

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Colossians 4:5-6

We should consider the words we say – for not only do they reflect on us, but on our Saviour too. We have the opportunity to point to Christ, or to push people away through hypocrisy, praising God on Sunday but joining in with crude jokes or being difficult colleague on a Monday.

We are not to be hypocrites! Rather, we need to be consistent Christians. So ask yourself; is it true, is it kind, is it necessary? The effectiveness of your witness is inseparably linked to how you talk.

A careless word may kindle strife;
A cruel word may wreck a life.
A bitter word may hate instill;
A brutal word may smite and kill.
A gracious word may smooth the way;
A joyous word may light the day.
A timely word may lessen stress;
A loving word may heal and bless.