The Tongue is Little

“Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth (or chooses). Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things…” (James 3:4-5)

The rudder on the small ships of Biblical times as well as the ships of today, in comparison to the rest of the ship is very tiny. The  helmsman or pilot of a ship can guide his craft over dangerous reefs and in narrow places with skilled dexterity while depending on the smallest part of the ship to help him navigate the waters.

The tongue is small compared to the rest of one’s body. With our tongues we may edify a church or another individual or we may destroy a church or a member of it. This small organ called the tongue is powerful much beyond its size.  The tongue can proclaim truth or it can spread lies.

It all depends on the heart to which the unseen end of the tongue is attached. Jesus said, “Out of the heart proceed ...false witness…” (Matthew 15:19) Let Jesus change your heart and control your tongue.