The Power of Our Tongues and Fingers of Fire

Our words, whether spoken or typed, hold immense power. They reveal the true nature of our hearts and will one day stand as witnesses for or against us at the judgment seat of Christ. This truth, taught by Jesus, is both sobering and transformative:

“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 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.” (Matthew 12:34–37)

The reality is clear every word we utter matters. But how often do we pause to consider the impact of what we say, especially in moments of carelessness or heightened emotion?

The Heart Behind Our Words

Jesus’s warning about words followed a heated exchange with the Pharisees, who accused him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul (Matthew 12:24). In their desperate attempt to discredit him, they crafted a deliberate, slanderous accusation. Jesus, in turn, exposed the hypocrisy and evil in their hearts, showing that their words stemmed from an “abundance of evil treasure.”

This principle applies not only to calculated words but also to those spoken offhandedly. Careless words flippant, impulsive, or unfiltered are just as revealing. They escape when our guard is down, offering a glimpse into the true state of our hearts. As Jesus taught, “Careless” words matter because they reflect our inner priorities, attitudes, and beliefs.

Words That Condemn

The weight of careless words is illustrated vividly in real-life scenarios. Consider Jon Gruden, the former NFL coach whose private emails were exposed, revealing a pattern of offensive and thoughtless language. These “careless” words, assumed to remain hidden, led to public condemnation and the abrupt end of his career.

Gruden’s fall serves as a cautionary tale of Jesus’s warning:

“Whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.” (Luke 12:3)

While Gruden faced judgment in the court of public opinion, the Bible reminds us that a far more consequential judgment awaits all of us. Every word, even those spoken in secrecy, will come to light before the throne of God.

The Power of Controlled Speech

The tongue’s power isn’t inherently destructive it has the potential for great good when controlled. The apostle James likens it to a horse’s bridle or a ship’s rudder (James 3:3–4). When tamed, our words can offer life and grace:

• “A gentle tongue is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 15:4)

• “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up.” (Ephesians 4:29)

However, when left unchecked, words can be as devastating as a forest fire sparked by a small flame (James 3:5–6). They have the power to destroy relationships, reputations, and even entire communities.

The question then becomes: What practical steps can we take to control our tongues (and fingers) and use them to glorify God and build up others?

Bridling the Tongue

Controlling our speech requires intentionality and humility. Here are some practical “bridles” to help guide our words:

• Pause Before Responding
  A personal favorite is the 24-hour rule. When faced with words that provoke anger or defensiveness, commit to waiting at least a day before responding. This delay often diffuses emotions and allows time for a more thoughtful, loving reply.

• Seek Clarity
  Before speaking, consider the potential impact of your words. Will they build up or tear down? Will they reflect the love of Christ? James urges us to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19).

• Pray for Guidance
  Regularly ask God to guard your heart and guide your speech. The psalmist’s prayer is a model for us:
  “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3)

• Pursue Transformation
  True change begins in the heart. As we grow in Christ, the “abundance” of our hearts shifts from self-centeredness to God-centeredness, resulting in words that reflect his love and truth.

Evidence of a Changed Heart

The transformation of our speech is not just a self-improvement project; it’s evidence of genuine repentance. A heart surrendered to Christ seeks to align with his will, including in how we communicate. Jesus said,

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

One of those commandments is to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), a love that is evident in the words we choose to speak or withhold.

A Final Word

Jesus’s teaching about words challenges us to take a hard look at the way we communicate. Our tongues and fingers can either bless or curse, build up or tear down, reveal wisdom or foolishness.

But there is hope. Through repentance and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can harness our words for good. We can speak life, bring grace, and point others to the greatness of God.

So, before you speak or type, ask yourself: Does this reflect the abundance of a heart surrendered to Christ?

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