Power of the tongue

James 3:4–5 “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. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”

tell the story of the fire passing the lot

1: Words Can Build Up or Tear Down

Example: Ask the children if they’ve ever received a compliment that made their day or heard something mean that hurt their feelings.

Story of at work when Mr. Swanson needed me for the porch

Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”

Application: Encourage them to use their words to lift others up. Maybe they can compliment someone in class or at home today.

2. Choose Your Words Wisely

why should we chose our words wisely

1: We can’t take our words back

Example: Tooth past project

2: Our words have power

Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

Edifying is to help improve or to push someone closer to Christ

Read James 3:10–11 “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?”

Proverbs 20:11 “Even a child is known by his doings, Whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.”

Application: Ask them to think of situations where they can pause and think before speaking

3: The Tongue Reflects Our Hearts

Matthew 12:34 “ for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”

what we say reveals what we feel inside.

STORY of THIS

Application: Challenge them to fill their hearts with good things—kindness, love, and joy—so that their words reflect those feelings. Encourage them to think about what they can do to fill their hearts with positivity.

Remind the children of the three main points:

1: Words can build up or tear down.

2: Choose your words wisely.

3: The tongue reflects our hearts.

you can make a big difference with just a few small words.