What kind of power has been given to mankind? The Lord granted us great influence and power through the mighty tongue. This power can be used for great evil or great good. The people back in Genesis 11 took it upon themselves to use the collective power of their communication to work together “to make a name for themselves” by building a tower to the sky. The Lord responded by confusing their language which resulted in their work ceasing.
We have seen in man’s recent history how the communication of ideas and directives to 
wield power and influence for selfish reasons have resulted in the deaths of millions of people. James calls the tongue “a fire, a world of iniquity” in chapter 3 of his book.
Thank the Lord that our tongues were redeemed when we became His sons and daughters, but there is still much discipline we need to exercise over our tongues, our words. We can still use it to curse others or bless them.
James liken the power of our tongues to a horse’s mouth bit which directs that horse and to a ship’s rudder which determines that big ship’s course. The Lord has given us the ability to direct our own lives and the lives of those around us through the use of our words, for evil or for good.
Your harsh words or your words of encouragement impact people’s lives everyday and that is why we must choose our words wisely. Our words have the most influence over our own lives more than anything else. James is pretty much saying that we set the course for our lives by the words we speak.
An example of this in scripture is found in Joel 3:10, “Let the weak say I am strong…” Use your words to bring forth life and grace and encouragement and shalom. Don’t allow circumstances or discouragement force you and those close to you down a path of destruction.
Use the power of your tongue EVERY DAY to set the right course, a path of life and love and God’s glory.