一项研究表明，为了抵消一个负面词语的破坏性影响，需要说四个正面词语。由此可见，负面的、刺耳的和羞辱性的言语会对人造成多么大的伤害。
今天的经文用生动的意象讲述了我们的言语所能产生的影响。就像小小的舵能控制船只，嚼环可以控制马一样，我们口中所说的话也可以给生活带来巨大的改变。此外，我们的言语还可以产生火花一样的效果：它可以造成巨大的破坏！因此，我们要慎重选择我们的言语，并认识到我们的言语所产生的影响。
在以弗所书第4章中，保罗提供了有关正面言语的类似教导；我们被呼召去造就他人，使听到我们话语的人得到帮助。
儿童往往是负面言语的第一受害者。我在这样一个家庭中长大：母亲经常被她的丈夫，也就是我的养父毒打。他对母亲说的那些侮辱性的话一直困扰着我，这些话还会在我的梦里重现。幸好耶稣的爱治愈了我的创伤，我也因着恩典能够向家人表达爱。
当我们默想话语的力量时，让我们思考一下：在圣灵的帮助下，我们如何才能为那些面临创伤的人们带来医治呢？
主啊，请帮助我们说出善意、有活力、亲切和有医治能力的话语。阿们。
雅各书 3:1-12
1我的弟兄们，不要多人做师傅，因为晓得我们要受更重的判断。
2原来我们在许多事上都有过失。若有人在话语上没有过失，他就是完全人，也能勒住自己的全身。
3我们若把嚼环放在马嘴里，叫它顺服，就能调动他的全身。
4看哪，船只虽然甚大，又被大风催逼，只用小小的舵就随着掌舵的意思转动。
5这样，舌头在百体里也是最小的，却能说大话。看哪，最小的火能点着最大的树林！
6舌头就是火，在我们百体中舌头是个罪恶的世界，能污秽全身，也能把生命的轮子点起来，并且是从地狱里点着的。
7各类的走兽、飞禽、昆虫、水族本来都可以制伏，也已经被人制伏了；
8唯独舌头，没有人能制伏，是不止息的恶物，满了害死人的毒气。
9我们用舌头颂赞那为主、为父的，又用舌头咒诅那照着神形象被造的人。
10颂赞和咒诅从一个口里出来，我的弟兄们，这是不应当的！
11泉源从一个眼里能发出甜苦两样的水吗？
12我的弟兄们，无花果树能生橄榄吗？葡萄树能结无花果吗？咸水里也不能发出甜水来。
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." - Ephesians 4:29
A study showed that in order to cancel the devastating effects of one negative word, four positive words need to be spoken. This shows how negative, harsh, and humiliating words can do great damage to human beings.
Our passage for today uses vivid imagery to speak about the impact our words can have. Just as a small rudder can steer a ship or a bit can control a horse, so the words of our mouths can make a big difference in life. Further, our speech can have the same effect as a spark: it can cause great destruction! We are encouraged, then, to choose our words carefully and to recognize the impact our speech makes.
In Ephesians 4, Paul provides similar teaching about positive language; we are called to build others up and speak in a way that helps the people who hear our words.
Children are often the first victims of negative language. I grew up in a family in which my mother was often beaten harshly by her husband, my adoptive father. The demeaning words he used against her continue to haunt me, and they come back in my dreams. Thankfully, the love of Jesus has healed much of this trauma, and by grace I am able to show love to my family.
As we reflect on the power of words, let’s consider how—with the Spirit’s help—we can bring healing for people who have faced trauma.
Lord, help us to be people marked by kind, uplifting, gracious, and healing words. Amen.
诵读: 骆云秀
片头: 张妙阳
