Will Smith, Chris Rock, and the Truth About Your Tongue

Picture a massive horse galloping at full speed or a colossal ship navigating through fierce winds. What’s the common factor? Both are controlled by something incredibly small—a bridle and a rudder. Likewise, your tongue, though small, can steer the course of your life. Where will your tongue lead you today?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is James 3:3-5.

If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. — James 3:3-5

Our tongues are small but wield immense power, often causing destruction through careless or harmful words.

Most of us remember the slap that was heard around the world at the Oscars in 2022. Will Smith walked on stage and violently slapped Chris Rock for a joke about his wife. We know today that they both said things they regret, and the fallout lasted a long time. That moment illustrates the profound truth and effect James is communicating in this text.

But we all know the real issue isn’t just the muscle in our mouth, which we call a tongue—it’s what happens in the space between our thoughts and the words that come out of our mouths. Without intentional control, the tongue can act as a loose rudder, steering us into dangerous waters.

But "bridling the tongue" isn’t simply about pulling back on our words—it’s about directing, leading, and controlling the will behind them. Just like a pilot sets a course for a ship or a rider guides a stallion, we must engage our minds and hearts before we speak and act.

Here’s your task today: Harness your tongue, bite your tongue, direct your tongue, and then speak with intention. Do this, and your words might echo grace instead of creating the kind of ripple that turns into a slap heard around the world.

#DailyDevo #PowerOfWords #FaithInAction

ASK THIS:
When was the last time your words caused harm or healing? How could you have used them differently?
What steps can you take to pause and think before speaking today?
How do your words reflect your relationship with Christ to others?
In what areas of your life do you struggle most to control your tongue?
DO THIS:
Harness your tongue, bite your tongue, direct your tongue, and then speak with intention.

PRAY THIS:
Lord, help me to pause and reflect before I speak, guiding my words to bring life and encouragement. Teach me to use my tongue to glorify You and build others up today. Amen

PLAY THIS:
Greater Than All My Regrets.