Wildfire

James 3:5

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

I grew up in California, and one of the things we often dealt with in the state were the wildfires that burnt thousands of acres, destroyed homes, and sometimes took the lives of those caught in the fire. No wildfire ever started big, but it started from a small spark that led to a great fire that caused great destruction.

God says the tongue is no different than the wildfires that the state of California often deals with. A wildfire may destroy homes and vegetation, but the wildfire of the tongue destroys lives and relationships. It is a sad day when we do more to avoid the wildfires that destroy things that can be rebuilt than we do to avoid the wildfires of the tongue that causes damage that never can be rebuilt. You often cannot rebuild the hurt that words cause. You cannot rebuild the reputation of those who are destroyed by gossiping tongues. You cannot reclaim the souls that go to Hell because of a wildfire tongue that spreads venom and causes the lost to never want to be saved. If we are to control the tongue from becoming a wildfire, we must learn to tame the tongue. Verse 17 gives several ways to guide what you allow your tongue to say.

First, only speak words that are pure. Many have corrupted others by saying more than the Scriptures say. When you talk about marriage, don't go into things that the Scriptures don't deal with. I believe we need to be sure our teachings about marriage should never go beyond what God says in His Word. Likewise, we should be careful that our tongue does not speak vulgar words, curse words, or filthy jokes. The corruption that these types of words can cause in the life of an individual will destroy their lives. Be sure every word you speak is pure and holy.

Second, only speak words that are peaceable. If what you are about to say will cause strife, you would likely be best not to say those words. There is no purpose in speaking words that cause strife. You should desire every word that comes from your mouth to be a word that will somehow bring peace to a person’s life or to your relationships.

Third, only speak words that are gentle. You don't always have to blow up when dealing with someone’s error. You will do more to repair lives by speaking gentle words than you ever will by speaking harsh words. You can correct with your words, but you don't have to say such words that destroys the confidence of one who simply made a mistake.

Fourth, only speak words that are full of mercy. In other words, you don't need to say all that you are thinking. Be merciful with your words. There are times when you just need to stop talking. You don't have to continue to say the same thing over and over, because that is not having words that are full of mercy. Mercy says what it needs to say one time, and then it moves on.

Fifth, only speak words that are without partiality. Don't play favorites with your words. Don’t be one who condemns one person for wrong but won't condemn a friend who does wrong. What you say to one you should be able to say to all. If you make sure the words you speak are words you would say to any person, you will find you can keep your tongue from speaking words that cause destruction.