Your Words Matter

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: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:5-8)

James described the tongue as a fire. Fire can be useful or dangerous. It can warm a home or burn it down. Similarly, our words can heal or hurt, build or destroy, and either align with Heaven or spark hell. In fact, James wrote that the tongue sets on fire the course of nature. This phrase refers to the cycles and patterns we face in life. Words don't just influence moments; they impact your momentum. What you release out of your mouth will directly affect your life.

Some time ago, I had a large growth under my arm. The enemy was constantly telling me, “You’ve got cancer.” Now, I had a choice. I could listen to the fear and start speaking fear about everything, or I could start speaking what the Scripture said. So, I refused to say anything other than what the Word said, and one day, there was nothing on my arm. I refused to give in to fear, especially by giving it my words. Your words matter.

James added in his epistle that discipline alone is not enough to control your words. You cannot just grit your teeth and promise to talk better. You need supernatural help. I pray in the Spirit, and the Holy Spirit gives me the ability to control my tongue. When the Holy Spirit influences your mouth, your words will line up with God’s nature.

Practical Application

Speak the Word over your body, mind, and future. Do you have a confession of faith to declare every day? If not, take time to research what the Bible says about your body, mind, and future, and create a daily confession you can say out loud. Your words matter.

Psalm 73:9; Proverbs 12:18