A Rare Jewel

In the same sense, the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See [by comparison] how great a forest is set on fire by a small spark! And the tongue is [in a sense] a fire, the very world of injustice and unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our members as that which contaminates the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life [the cycle of man’s existence], and is itself set on fire by hell (Gehenna). (James 3:5-6)

What do a bit, rudder, spark, and tongue have in common?  Well, James 3 shows us that each is small but powerful and effective as a controller.  The bit in a horse’s mouth helps him obey his master.  The rudder on a ship is small but steers the boat wherever the captain wants it to go.  A small spark can start a forest fire.  And our tongue can set the whole course of our lives on fire, if we do not learn how to control it.

My tongue is definitely full of poison and has the power to start many forest fires in a day.  I tend to see that I have the power to stop a small forest fire or ignite it.  Every conversation is a new opportunity to breathe life or destroy life.  I want so badly to breathe life into others through my words.  I pray that every word I speak will come under the full authority of my Lord and Savior.

“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)

This is how I want my words to be packaged when spoken to others.  I want my words to be tied up in a bow of God’s love, framed with His grace, and spoken with His sweet joy.  I want my words to reflect a heart sold out for God.  A heart that is stirred in the things of God.  I pray that my words will not be responsible for a forest fire.  I pray that each word I speak will mend, heal, give hope, shower God’s grace, share God’s mercy, and speak God’s love.  I want my words to make a difference for the Kingdom.

“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.” (Proverbs 21:23)

“Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.” (Proverbs 20:15)

What will your words be today?  Will they honor your Father in heaven?  Will your words be the rare jewel that someone seeks to hear?

Dear Father God, Please guard my mouth and tongue.  May my words be the cause for healing, not hurting.  May my words shower grace on others, not judgment.  May my words be kind and loving.  I pray that others will find the rare jewel of your knowledge with every word that I speak.

Praying for the Rare Jewels of wisdom to proceed from my mouth,