From The Preacher's Desk

A Word Fitly Spoken

“Gone With the Wind” (1939) is considered a classic to most Americans. A winner of 10 Academy Awards and named one of the top films in history by the American Film Institute, it starred Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable. A minister in Boston objected to the use of one four-letter word in the movie. He stated if that one word was permitted, there would be no end to the profanity that would be heard in future movies. The minister was right—it all began with one word many considered innocent.

The book of James has much to say about controlling the tongue. He uses three analogies to illustrate the importance of taming the tongue:

1. The horses bit: (James 3:3) There is a sense in which the tongue controls the heart. Just as a small bit can determine the direction of a powerful horse, we must control our tongues.
2. A ship’s rudder: (James 3:4-5) Large ships are steered by very small rudders. The tongue is a small part of the body, yet it can make great “boasts.”
3. A spark that becomes a forest fire: (James 3:5-6) The tongue is a fire. Recent fires have ravaged thousands of acres in California. See how much damage that can be done by just one match. Much damage can be done by one little word or a seemingly innocent conversation.

On the positive side, James says the tongue can be useful for good- to teach the gospel, encourage the wayward Christian, rebuke the sinner, or heal the hurting and lonely. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11). James makes a positive appeal for speech that is controlled, pure, and positive. What does your speech reveal about you?

Rob