Relative to size, the tongue is the strongest muscle in the body. But the real power is in the words the tongue formulates. If we examine ourselves we will discover that we are the result of the words that were spoken to us. That for good or bad we have been shaped by words. Because words have to power to build up or to tear down.

The Hayman fire was the worst-ever forest fire in the History of Colorado. Over 138,000 acres and some 600 buildings were burned down costing the state $40 million dollars in firefighting costs alone. All of this because a forest service employee named, Terry Barton decided to burn a letter she had received from her estranged husband. And, without meaning to she caused the worst wildfire in the history of Colorado. A little spark, that eventually burned over 138,000 acres.

In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. James 3:5-6 NLT

Perhaps this why the apostle Paul wrote, “do not let any unwholesometalk come out of your mouth …. “(Ephesians 4:29 NIV). The word unwholesome basically means, any word that will offend, hurt, tear down or cause any harm. In most marriages, families, churches and communities there would be great silence if we applied these instructions. As I child I was taught, if you don’t have anything good to say, then say nothing at all.

There is no limit to the extent the damage the tongue can cause. Most if not all wars were preceded by words. We know the damage, slander, lies and insults can cause. Forest fires destroy houses, but a spark of the tongue can destroy homes; a spark of the tongue can destroy lives. So, do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth.