Words Determine Destiny

James illustrates the function of the tongue. Though small in size, it is capable of incalculable harm if left unchecked. Examples used in reference to the tongue include the bit in the horse’s mouth, the rudder in the ship, a spark that starts a forest fire, and a source of poison that corrupts the whole body. Of all these examples, the rudder in the ship is the one I would like to focus your attention on.

The rudder is a small part of the ship located under the surface. It is incapable of being seen while the ship is sailing, but that small part determine the direction of the ship. If used correctly, the ship will make it journey safely. On the other hand, it is malfunctions, the ship will most likely wreck.

The Bible says the same of the tongue as it affects the lives of men. When viewed outwardly, we are incapable of visualizing the tongue. This small-unnoticed member is like the rudder of the ship. Its use determines the course of our lives.

When looking at the history of the Israelites, one can see with greater clarity how the tongue shapes the destiny of men. Lets look at Numbers Chapter 13-14. The Israelites had come out of Egypt on their way to the Promised Land. In these chapters twelve men (spies) were sent to survey the land, its cities, the inhabitants, and to bring back a report. Numbers 13:26-28.

Although God had given the Israelites a promise, there were those who were skeptical. Words like nevertheless caused a disturbance among the people. Two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, refused to give in to the negative attitudes. Numbers 13:30-31.

Numbers 14:26-32 continues: "As you have spoken in my ears, so will I do to you." God is saying, "You have said what I would do by the words you have spoken." Numbers 14:36-38.

Death and Life are in the power of the tongue. In Numbers, it could not be more clearly stated. Those who spoke negatively settled for death. Those who spoke positively received life. Their destinies were settled or determined by their words.

In the New Testament, our experiences as Christians are compared to the Israelites in the Old Testament. In the book of Hebrews 4:1-2, we are warned that the lessons learned by the Israelites apply to us as well. "The promise of entering into his rest" was met with the fatal word, nevertheless, causing the demise of many. Instead of focusing on the promise of God and boldly confessing their faith in that promise, they turned to the negative with words like "We are not able, or we cannot possess the land."

We cannot afford to allow our tongues to cause our destruction. We are what we say we are. We can do what we say we can do. God has given us authority over our words. They can bring us blessings or curse us miserably. We must pray for direction regarding our words, and ask for the discipline regarding the proper use of our tongues.

Ask God to create in us a clean heart as did the prophet, David. Why? "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh."

By Naomi J. Brown