Day 27: The Direction of the Tongue

Opening Scripture

James 3:2–4

² We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

³ When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. ⁴ Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. (NIV)

Devotional Reflection

As we continue to consider the early church and their devotion to breaking bread—a daily ritual that kept their eyes fixed on Christ—we see that many ancient spiritual disciplines were practiced in community and required people to speak aloud, read Scripture together, or sing.

When we consider our daily spiritual practices, we must recognize how God has united our body and our spirit so that each affects the other. When the body is injured, it impacts how we feel and think, often pulling our spirit into a dark place. In the same way, when the spirit becomes hopeless, it can alter the body itself—affecting even our physical health.

God intends for us to use our bodies—and especially our voices—to help draw our spirits back into His presence when we have been pulled away.

James compares the tongue to the bit in a horse’s mouth and the rudder of a ship. Though small, these tools determine direction even with very large objects. In the same way, how we use our voice often determines the direction of our spirit. Our words may be small but they can exert power over big things in our lives.

Not everyone is accustomed to speaking aloud to God. Some talk quietly to themselves, but society often views this as odd or even unhealthy. Yet Scripture teaches us to use our words intentionally. There are times when we need to speak aloud, read Scripture aloud, or sing with strength and conviction.

When the tongue remains silent, the mind is often left to be governed by emotions stirred up by fear, doubt, or anger. Silence can allow the spirit to drift into darkness. The discipline we need is to remind ourselves of what is true, rather than what merely feels true.

One powerful way to shift our thoughts is to speak the truth of God’s Word aloud or to read it with intention and passion. This is why Lectio Divina has been used throughout this devotional—reading Scripture aloud, slowly and repeatedly, allowing different aspects of the same passage to speak to us.

This practice forces the mind to loosen its grip on the stressors of the day and take hold of God’s truth. Over time, slow and intentional reading aloud changes the direction of the spirit, and our thoughts begin to follow.

This is a habit that must be formed before we need it most. If we do not cultivate it in times of peace, our troubles will often lock us into silence, allowing negative emotions to keep our spirit trapped in darkness.

A disciplined tongue—used to speak truth—is a powerful spiritual weapon in the battle for faith.

The Examen

1. What words—or lack of words—have most influenced the direction of my spirit today?

2. How might God be inviting me to use my voice more intentionally in prayer, Scripture, or praise?

Lectio Divina Scripture

Proverbs 18:21

²¹ The tongue has the power of life and death,

and those who love it will eat its fruit. (NIV)

Read the passage slowly out loud several times. With each reading, emphasize a different word or phrase. Notice what stands out and why.

Prayer Prompt

Lord, teach me to use my words wisely. Help me discipline my tongue so that it leads my heart toward truth, light, and trust in You—especially when my emotions pull me in another direction. Amen.