James 3:3-12

Words matter! Words are some of the most powerful tools in humanity’s toolbox. Words can shape the course of history. Without words, Hitler would never have risen to power. Without words, Martin Luther would have been unable to bring about the reformation. Words can inspire and words can dishearten. Words have the power to shape and form a young child’s life. Like children playing with dynamite, some people play with words with no idea of the power under their control.
Words not only matter because of the power they have, they matter because our words control our lives. Our words are the foundation upon which we build all of our relationships. Words are the foundation of trust between others and us. Our words can get us hired, and they can get us fired. Poorly chosen words cause many problems in our lives.

Words matter because they are a window into who we really are. James says a salt spring cannot produce fresh water. Neither should brackish water pour forth from a pure spring. A heart that is in right relationship with God does not pour forth curses upon God’s children. Our words reveal our heart’s condition. A child of God does not talk like the devil.

Because words matter many people work very hard to control their words. They do not want their words to be destructive. They do not want their words to be careless and thoughtless. They do not their words to reveal a heart that is petty and small. They want to hide their imperfections and their unrighteousness from the world, so they seek to control their words. Their efforts are in vain, because as James says the tongue is untamable. No matter our effort, our words will reveal the real us. Control is not the ultimate solution. Since we cannot control our tongue, we must allow the Holy Spirit to control us. When our words reveal our hearts, let them reveal the home of the Holy Spirit.