Day 8: The Words We Speak
Bible passage: James 3:3–12; Proverbs 18:21
A Small Thing with Great Power
Today is Friday 8th of January 2021. Welcome to Day 8 of our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. As the second week begins, we move from what goes on inside us to what comes out of us.
James gives three pictures. A small bit in a horse’s mouth turns the whole animal. A small rudder steers a huge ship through strong winds. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire (James 3:3–5). The tongue, he says, is like that. It is small, but it sets the direction of a whole life.
What Our Words Can Do
Words Can Burn
James calls the tongue a flame of fire (James 3:6). Most of us know what he means. A sentence spoken in anger can be remembered for thirty years. Gossip can ruin a friendship. A harsh word can stay with a child for life.
James also notices something that ought to trouble us. Praise for God and curses for people made in His image pour out of the same mouth. That, he says, is not right (James 3:9–10).
Words Can Build
The same tongue can do great good. Proverbs says that it can bring death or life (Proverbs 18:21), and that the words of the wise bring healing (Proverbs 12:18). Paul tells us to let everything we say be good and helpful, so that our words encourage those who hear them (Ephesians 4:29).
Isaiah speaks of being given God’s words of wisdom so that he knows how to comfort the weary (Isaiah 50:4). There are weary people all around us at the moment. A word from you today could lift one of them.
Words Come from Somewhere
Jesus said that whatever is in our heart determines what we say (Matthew 12:34). That is why the tongue cannot be fixed at the tongue. James admits that nobody can tame it (James 3:8).
But God can change the heart, and this is where prayer and fasting come in. As He fills us, what overflows from us changes too.
Think of Jesus standing at the tomb of Lazarus. He prayed to His Father first. Then He spoke, and a dead man walked out (John 11:41–44). Words that flow from time spent with the Father carry life.
Speaking Life
Three Steps for Today
Listen to yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware today of how you speak, especially at home and online.
Put it right. If your words have wounded someone, apologise to them today.
Encourage one person on purpose. Ask God to give you a word for someone who is weary. Send the message, make the call or write the note.
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You that Your words bring life and hope. Forgive me for words I have spoken in anger, in pride or without thinking. Change my heart, so that what comes out of my mouth is good. Give me words today that will strengthen someone who is weary. May all that I say and all that I think be pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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