Bible Reading: James 3: 3 – 11
Memory Verse: Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.
Devo:
Did you ever regret saying something? Maybe when you were angry, you lost control? Or teased someone but really hurt their feelings?
James 3 tells us about the power of the tongue. Man has tamed all kinds of animals, but the tongue cannot be tamed. It’s a restless evil, full of poison. Yikes!
It’s just not safe to let your tongue do whatever it wants, or it will ruin things. Lying and gossip will destroy trust and friendships. Cursing and complaining damage our Christian testimony.
A controlled tongue can really do good. Honesty and encouragement helps people around us. God called us to bless instead of curse, to rejoice instead of complain. The right words can get you through the hardest times.
James says the tongue is like a fire. It’s small but it’s powerful. In the fireplace, it will make the house cozy and warm. If the fire gets out, it can burn down the house or woods. Fire can save lives or destroy them.
Man cannot tame the tongue. It’s right there in the Bible. The only way to tame it, then, is to give it to Someone more powerful. When we let God rule our hearts and mouths, He can tame our tongue. The only good tongue is one that’s completely under control.
What about you?
Why do you think it’s easy to say mean things to your family members?
Make a plan to say encouraging words to three people today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, put a guard on my lips that I don’t let my tongue loose. Let my words and the thoughts in my heart always make you happy.