Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! (James 3:5)

It was a Sunday night in September and most people were sleeping when a small fire broke out in Thomas Farriner’s bakery on Pudding Lane. Soon the flames spread from house to house and London was engulfed in the Great Fire of 1666. Over 70,000 people were left homeless by the blaze that leveled four-fifths of the city. So much destruction from such a small fire!

The Bible warns us of another small but destructive fire. James was concerned about lives and relationships, not buildings, when he wrote, “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth” (James 3:5).  

But our words can also be constructive. Proverbs 16:24 reminds us, “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” The apostle Paul says, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Col. 4:6). As salt flavors our food, grace flavors our words for building up others.

Through the help of the Holy Spirit our words can encourage people who are hurting, who want to grow in their faith, or who need to come to the Savior. Our words can put out fires instead of starting them.

Lord, I can always use help with the way I talk. For this day, help me to speak words of hope and encouragement to build up others. Amen.

I recently read this and wow what truth! Food for thought. What will our words be like today? You have the power in your tongue to build up or tear down. Which will you choose? Your words matter, choose them carefully. Use me Holy Spirit today to put out fires instead of starting them.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is James 3:3-12