When Words Start Wildfires: James on the Power of the Tongue

Welcome to the School of Ministry Podcast where we examine James 3:5–12, as he uses vivid imagery of fire to show how the tongue—though small—can defile the whole person, spread destruction through gossip and slander, and be influenced by the old nature and the devil. In this remastered episode, we trace Biblical parallels and historical examples to highlight the danger and reach of sinful speech.

Yet the episode also points to hope: the child of God, transformed by the new birth and led by the Holy Spirit, is called to a sanctified tongue that praises God and blesses others, with an invitation to accept Christ to avoid the eternal consequences of a real hell.