Taming The Tongue: Speak Life

TAMING THE TONGUE: SPEAK LIFE

We speak thousands of words every day—to family, at work, online… (about 13K words per day.)

How can we make our words count?

God calls us to use our speech as a tool for life, not destruction.

Our Words Matter More Than We Realise

Our words are powerful—they shape our lives and the lives of those around us. What we say, and how we say it, can build others up or tear them down, bring peace or stir trouble, heal wounds or deepen them.

A few kind words can brighten someone's entire day. But a careless comment, or just a few seconds of thoughtless speech — can leave a wound that takes years to heal.

Proverbs 12:18 tells us, "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health."

Some people’s words cut like a sword — sharp, cutting, painful.

Maybe it’s a person who always has a critical comment, who puts others down, or whose “jokes” really sting. Their words wound.

But look at the contrast: the tongue of the wise brings health.

That means speaking words that heal, encourage, and strengthen.

It’s like being a spiritual doctor—using our words to bring wholeness to others.

Whether we’re chatting with a neighbour, texting a friend, posting online, or in a hard conversation at home—our words matter more than we often realise.

They can build up or tear down, heal or hurt, bring peace or start a war.

The Bible talks so much about the tongue because God knows how much our speech matters. Our words reveal our hearts, share Christ’s love, and have real power to shape the world around us.

Let's explore what Scripture teaches us about this small but mighty part of our body—and how we can honour God in the way we speak.

It’s about letting God shape our speech so that it honours Him and helps others.

1. The Power of Life and Death Is in Your Tongue

Proverbs 18:21 declares, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

Death and life are in the power of the tongue.

What we say can literally bring life or bring death—physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual death.

Every conversation is a choice: will my words give life, or take it away?

Here's what life-giving words look like: "You're doing great, keep going," or "I'm proud of you"—we breathe hope into someone who feels discouraged.

A teacher who tells a struggling student,

"I see how hard you're trying" can plant confidence that lasts a lifetime.

On the other hand, cutting remarks—"You'll never get it right," or "Why can't you be more like your brother?"—can crush a spirit and echo in someone's mind for decades.

Every one of us has this power—a power to build or to hurt.

The verse continues: "they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

We will eat the fruit of our words. We live with the harvest of what we plant.

If we plant seeds of kindness, we enjoy the sweet fruit of good relationships. If we plant seeds of bitterness, we live with the sour results.

Kind, truthful words tend to return as stronger friendships, calmer homes, and deeper trust. Harsh, careless, or dishonest words return as tension, distance, regret, and broken relationships.

In the workplace, constant criticism poisons the atmosphere. It becomes toxic. People dread coming to work.

In a marriage, repeated sarcasm erodes affection. Yet when couples speak appreciation and respect daily, love grows deeper over the years.

Before you speak — ask yourself: “Will these words bring life or death? What fruit will I be eating later?”

Start with one small habit.

Give genuine compliments or words of thanks each day. Watch how the atmosphere around you begins to change.

2. The Tongue: Small Size, Enormous Impact

Why does something so small cause such big trouble?

James 3:5-6: "Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity…"

Think of a single match dropped in dry grass on a hot summer’s day.

What happens? A spark. Then a flame. Then suddenly a wildfire raging out of control, destroying homes, forests, lives.

James says our tongue is like that—small, but able to start enormous trouble.

It’s like a fire fuelled by evil itself.

One angry text can end a friendship.

One piece of gossip can divide a church.

One encouraging word can change someone’s whole day.

Here’s the hopeful side: just as our words can destroy, they can also do immense good.

A sincere apology can mend a relationship.

A word of comfort can feel like a warm blanket on a cold night.