Scripture: “The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. . . No man can tame the tongue.” (James 3:6, 8 NKJV).

I recently read an article about a man who killed a rattlesnake, only to be bitten by its severed head. Evidently, snakes can meter how much venom to inject, but this one, with nothing to lose, unleashed its entire store. It was a medical miracle the man survived.

I see in this story not only the peril of poisonous reptiles, but also the danger of unbridled human anger. Unleashed at full strength, our venomous words can destroy others. The God-given gift of communication was never meant to kill the soul of one who offends us. James, the Lord’s brother, warns us that our tongues are filled with deadly poison.

Words are a great tool when used to encourage and motivate others. Winston Churchill inspired a people who faced overwhelming odds by his fiery speech, “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender!”

Someone asked afterward, “What just happened?” and was answered, “Churchill just mobilized the English language and sent it into battle.”  His words inspired the British people to incredible acts of courage that eventually won against the largest, best-prepared, and deadliest army the world had ever seen.

When I allow anger to consume me and lash out unthinkingly against another, I allow that Old Serpent, the devil, to control me. But when I use my tongue to speak words of encouragement, I honor my Lord.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I do not want anger to control me and injure others. Please help me use my words to bless and encourage those around me.  In Jesus’s name I pray, amen.