God hardwired the power of
into our world.
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness He called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. —Genesis 1:3-5 NIV
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” —Genesis 3:1 NIV
The tongue has the power of life and death… —Proverbs 18:21 NIV
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 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. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. —James 3:3-5 NIV
things make a
difference.
The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. —James 3:6 NIV
Negative Labels:
• You’re so stupid.
• You’re so boring.
• You’re so weird.
• You’re so emotional.
Negative Comparisons:
• You’re just like your dad.
• Why can’t you be like your brother/sister?
Pointless Rhetorical Questions:
• Can’t you do anything right?
• Do you have to do that?
• Why do you always do that?
• How many times do I have to tell you?
• What’s wrong with you?
The words of the reckless pierce like swords… —Proverbs 12:18A NIV
…a crushed spirit dries up the bones. —Proverbs 17:22B NIV
It [a tongue that is used to hurt others] is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. —James 3:6B NLT
“You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” —Matthew 12:34-37 NLT
,
, and
.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV You are a new creation.
Galatians 3:26 NIV You are God’s child.
Ephesians 1:3 NIV You have every spiritual blessing.
Ephesians 1:11 NIV You were chosen before creation.
Ephesians 3:12 NIV You can approach God with freedom and confidence.
Romans 8:39 NIV You will never be separated from God’s love.