Bible – The Bible Society of Lesotho

So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.

The Bible is rich with wisdom regarding the power of our words. Throughout Scripture, we are reminded that the tongue—though small—holds the capacity to uplift, destroy, heal, or harm. The words we speak can shape destinies, mend relationships, or cause deep wounds. Let’s explore seven Bible verses that illuminate the profound power of the tongue.

1. Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

The words we choose to speak can bring encouragement, love, and healing, or they can cause hurt, division, and destruction. The “fruits” we reap from our words reflect their power—whether for good or ill.

2. James 3:5-6 – “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.”

Although it is a small part of the body, the tongue can cause significant harm, much like a small spark can ignite an entire forest fire. James warns believers of the dangers of careless speech, reminding us that words can spread like wildfire, causing damage that can be difficult to undo.

3. Proverbs 12:18 – “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

Words spoken in haste or anger can cut deeply, inflicting pain and damage similar to physical wounds. Conversely, wise and thoughtful words can bring comfort, peace, and restoration, highlighting the importance of controlling our speech and choosing our words carefully.

4. Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

We are urged to avoid corrupting or harmful talk and instead speak in ways that edify and encourage others. Words have the power to build up or tear down, and we are encouraged to use our speech to impart grace and support to those around us.

5. Proverbs 15:4 – “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”

A gentle tongue, like a tree of life, offers nourishment, strength, and growth. In contrast, perverse or harsh speech can crush a person’s spirit, leading to discouragement and despair. The verse encourages us to speak with kindness and gentleness, fostering life and growth in others.

6. Matthew 12:36-37 – “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Jesus’ words in Matthew are a sobering reminder of the accountability we have for our speech. Every word we speak—careless or otherwise—will be subject to judgment. Our words reflect our hearts, and they play a role in our justification or condemnation. This verse underscores the importance of being mindful of our speech, knowing that it has eternal consequences.

7. Proverbs 16:24 – “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

Words that are kind, loving, and considerate are likened to honeycomb—sweet and nourishing, bringing joy and health to both the speaker and the listener. The verse encourages us to speak in ways that bring sweetness and well-being to others, reflecting the love and grace of God through our words.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently teaches that the tongue, though small, wields immense power. It can bring life or death, healing or harm, joy or sorrow. As followers of Christ, we are called to use our words wisely, to speak life, and to reflect God’s love through our speech. By guarding our tongues and choosing our words carefully, we can positively influence those around us and honor God with our speech.

A Demand for a Sign from Heaven

(Mark 8.11-13Luke 12.54-56)

1 The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tried to test him by asking for a sign from heaven. 2 He told them:

If the sky is red in the evening, you say the weather will be good. 3 But if the sky is red and gloomy in the morning, you say it is going to rain. You can tell what the weather will be like by looking at the sky. But you don't understand what is happening now. 4 You want a sign because you are evil and won't believe! But the only sign you will be given is what happened to Jonah.

Then Jesus left.

The Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees

(Mark 8.14-21)

5 The disciples had forgotten to bring any bread when they crossed the lake. 6 Jesus then warned them, “Watch out! Guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

7 The disciples talked this over and said to each other, “He must be saying this because we didn't bring along any bread.”

8 Jesus knew what they were thinking and said:

You surely don't have much faith! Why are you talking about not having any bread? 9 Don't you understand? Have you forgotten about the 5,000 people and all those baskets of leftovers from just five loaves of bread? 10 And what about the 4,000 people and all those baskets of leftovers from only seven loaves of bread? 11 Don't you know by now that I am not talking to you about bread? Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees!

12 Finally, the disciples understood that Jesus wasn't talking about the yeast used to make bread, but about the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Who Is Jesus?

(Mark 8.27-30Luke 9.18-21)

13 When Jesus and his disciples were near the town of Caesarea Philippi, he asked them, “What do people say about the Son of Man?”

14 The disciples answered, “Some people say you are John the Baptist or maybe Elijah or Jeremiah or some other prophet.”

15 Then Jesus asked, “But who do you say I am?”

16 Simon Peter spoke up, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus told him:

Simon, son of Jonah, you are blessed! You didn't discover this on your own. It was shown to you by my Father in heaven. 18 So I will call you Peter, which means “a rock.” On this rock I will build my church, and death itself will not have any power over it. 19 I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and God in heaven will allow whatever you allow on earth. But he will not allow anything you don't allow.

20 Jesus told his disciples not to tell anyone he was the Messiah.

Jesus Speaks about His Suffering and Death

(Mark 8.31—9.1Luke 9.22-27)

21 From then on, Jesus began telling his disciples what would happen to him. He said, “I must go to Jerusalem. There the nation's leaders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law of Moses will make me suffer terribly. I will be killed, but three days later I will rise to life.”

22 Peter took Jesus aside and told him to stop talking like that. He said, “God would never let this happen to you, Lord!”

23 Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Satan, get away from me! You're in my way because you think like everyone else and not like God.”

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples:

If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross and follow me. 25 If you want to save your life, you will destroy it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find it. 26 What will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself? What would you give to get back your soul?

27 The Son of Man will soon come in the glory of his Father and with his angels to reward all people for what they have done. 28 I promise you some of those standing here will not die before they see the Son of Man coming with his kingdom.

Matthew 16