I have been to Niagara Falls and heard the awesome roaring power of water as it cascades over the edge of the riverbed to the rocks far below. I have felt the power of jet engines as they lift the large plane, filled with cargo and passengers, into the skies. I have seen the angry power of tornado winds as they shred and scatter everything in its path. I have seen the deadly power of fire as it sweeps across hill and valley consuming everything caught in its raging fury.
Unfortunately, I have heard, seen, and felt a more deadly power being wielded by an uncontrolled tongue. Yes, the tongue is a small part of our body, but is most likely the most powerful part, capable of speaking words of gracious healing and reconciliation or of grievous hurt and suffering. And the Scriptures consistently declare that it is every person’s responsibility to control it.
I remember the saying we learned as children. “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me.” Even though the saying was meant to encourage steadfastness in the face of ridicule or intimidation, it does not survive the test of truth. I have learned that even though words, however hateful and demeaning they may be, usually do not cause physical harm to our bodies, they can do considerably more damage to our personhood than sticks and stones. Most bodily injuries heal over time. Sometimes the injury will require some medical attention, such as a bandage, stitches, or maybe even a cast or surgery. But eventually, if we are healthy, the physical injury will heal completely.
However, words that are spoken in anger or hatred and without thought or respect for the other, most likely will do damage that may never heal. Most of us have been called a derogatory name or have had someone say things that were not true about us. And the pain we feel is very real and lasting.
Unfortunately, many of us have also been on the other side, being judgmental and speaking unkindly, berating the character or actions of another. Weakened and blinded by heated disagreement or prejudiced opinion, we can easily forget that our tongue is “a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” In the tense moments of debate, we can easily forget the need to control our tongue and use it as an instrument of enhanced healing rather than a weapon of fire.
The Scriptures declare that our words do have a wonderful power to heal. The book of Proverbs shares several insights about the power of words to heal and build one another up. “Anxiety weighs down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up” (Pr. 12:25). “A soft answer turns away wrath” (Pr. 15:1a). “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” (Pr. 16:24).
James, the brother of Jesus, writes in his letter, “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” (1:26). Then in chapter 3, James uses very descriptive language to describe our tongue and its power to bless or destroy, in his effort to help us to better understand the urgent and constant need to control what we say. And in verses 9-10, he summarizes “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
Think about those three precious words, “I love you.” When these words are spoken at the right moment, they can lift our spirits and make us forget our anxieties and difficulties. Think about some other phrases like: “I care about you; I have been thinking about you; I have been praying for you.” Indeed, such words have a wonderful power to heal and lift broken spirits.
Also consider the power in giving a compliment or speaking words of encouragement. Such words contain tremendous healing powers. I encourage myself and you toward being more diligent in controlling our tongue to do so, and to always remember James’ admonition. “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20).
<><><><><>
“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – July 7, 2023
Ray M. Geigley
Healing Rays of Righteousness 
Leave a comment