Words on Fire

Bible Reading: James 3:1-10

“Did you hear about Aria’s dad?” asked Tenley. “Do you know what Elise told me?” Dad put down the book he had been reading and smiled. Tenley loved to tell him everything that was going on with her friends at school—even when they were on vacation.

“Elise says Aria’s dad was arrested and taken to the police station,” Tenley went on. “He was driving under the influence—that means he was drunk, you know—and he crashed into another car. Elise says he gets drunk every weekend, and he—”

“Hold on a minute, Tenley,” said Dad. “How do you know what Elise said is true? And even if it is, should you repeat it? You could hurt Aria’s father badly by saying things like that about him. And I’m sure it would hurt Aria to know you’re telling people about her family’s problems.”

“Well, I—” Tenley suddenly stood up and pointed to a nearby campsite. “Dad, look! Over there! Those leaves are on fire!”

Dad and Tenley raced over to the campsite, grabbing a couple of wet towels from the line as they went. A hot log had rolled out of an unattended fire, and dry leaves had started to burn. Tenley and Dad stomped and beat the spreading flames until they had the fire out.

“That was a close one!” Dad said.

“Yeah,” said Tenley. “I wonder where the people are who started the fire.”

Dad put an arm around Tenley’s shoulders as they walked back to their own campsite. “You know, Tenley, Mom and I love that you like to share ideas and experiences. But when you share information that’s harmful, it’s called gossip. God says the tongue is like a fire, and you saw how fast fire can get out of control. That can happen with words too. What you say can be exaggerated, and it can spread rapidly and hurt others—like Aria and her dad.”

Tenley nodded, remembering the things she had said. “I’m sorry, Dad,” she said. “I’ll be more careful about repeating things I hear. I don’t want to start any fires!”

– Judith K. Boogaart

How About You?

Do you speak words that are on fire? Could they get out of control and spread rapidly, causing people to get hurt? If you hear gossip that could burn someone, put it out! Don’t repeat information that may not be true or could embarrass or hurt others. Jesus wants you to use the words you say to show love and support for others—even when they’re not there to hear them.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 34:13 Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Don’t repeat hurtful words