How powerful is a sentence? How powerful is a group of words with the intent to hurt, and to incite conflict for a lifetime?
The line: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" is a lie. Words spoken in anger and hate, can cripple a person's inner spirit for a lifetime. How many people have taken the bitterness of spiteful words to their grave?
James brings out in our text, that even though the tongue is a little member, a small organ in the body, it can be used to start a fiery fight that will lead to much destruction. If what we say is intended to be positive criticism, than what we say should be seasoned with love.
The choice of our words, and the tone of our voice, should carry the intent of our heart. And that is where it all begins. In the intent of our heart. So often the anger we are feeling, leads to the lack of control of our tongue, and we find ourselves saying things, we never meant to say.
James gives us a warning here. To know the impact of our words.
They can cripple, or they can comfort. The choice is ours! GP
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