Life and Death in the Power of the Tongue – The Power of Words
Pastor Tan Thai
This sermon focuses on the power of words based on Proverbs 18:21 and James 3:1-12. Words possess three kinds of power: controlling power like a bridle and rudder, destructive power like fire and a wild beast, and nourishing power like water and fruit. The pastor emphasizes that words reflect the heart and will affect judgment on the day of reckoning.
The sermon begins by affirming that no topic on wisdom is more important than the power of words. Speech is the primary means of communication between people, through which we express our intentions, thoughts, plans, dreams, and feelings of love. The pastor points out that the book of Proverbs contains at least 101 verses teaching about words, demonstrating the significance of this topic in Scripture. Words have the power to revive an entire nation or kill a person; therefore, life and death are in the power of the tongue. Various cultures regard words as important through numerous proverbs and traditional sayings.
The second section develops the controlling power of words through two images: a bit in a horse's mouth and a ship's rudder. Though small, these objects can control much larger things. Similarly, the tongue, though small, can control an entire person's life. The pastor reminds those who wish to teach that they must restrain their tongues, because they will face stricter judgment. The question is whether our words change circumstances or whether circumstances control our words. Believers must let God control their speech, not circumstances or other people. These two small things also influence those around us; gossip causes misunderstanding but thanksgiving encourages. The words of Jesus Christ changed human history and those who encountered Him.
The third section presents the destructive power of the tongue through two images: fire and a wild beast. Fire can destroy everything; a small flame can lead to a great conflagration that destroys entire cities. Similarly, words can burn away friendships, honor, trust, and even God's work. The tongue is also compared to a wild, venomous animal that no one can tame, containing deadly poison. Unlike visible fire, the tongue's toxicity works slowly and over time. The destructive power of the tongue comes from an evil heart, for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Proverbs teaches that sometimes one should remain silent and sometimes respond to defend God's name and honor. A church made dry by suspicion and anger needs only one small match of harsh words to cause an uncontrollable fire.
The fourth section presents the nourishing and building power of the tongue through two images: a water source and a fruit tree. Sincere words of praise make people joyful for a week; words of comfort and encouragement bring new hope. Proverbs teaches that the words from a person's mouth are like deep water, and the mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life. The pastor recommends that believers be very careful when joking with words, avoid criticizing immediately after completing a joint task, and refrain from speaking negatively about fellow believers to others. Learning to acknowledge faults, ask forgiveness, and forgive others is important. Everyone should pray asking God to guard their lips and hearts to avoid speaking harmful words. Finally, all should remember Jesus' teaching that on the day of judgment, people will give account for every careless word they have spoken, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.