Tongue Like A Forest Fire

This is my attempt at writing a short spoken word poem. It is based on James chapter 3 in the Bible.

I am constantly tripping over my tongue.
It is a stumbling block that is always trying to make me fall and sometimes it is like I have no control over it at all.

I find it funny how such a small part of our bodies can make such great boasts.
Arrogant as if it knows everything, but it lies.

Every time I speak I might as well be standing in a pit of quicksand.
Because with every lie or empty word that I spit out I only sink deeper and deeper until that lie has taken me over.

My words are not so much words as they are poison and I spit that poison like a snake.
Infecting any person that will listen to me.

I have hidden behind so many lies that I don't even know who I am anymore.
My lies have become my mask.
I guess after you tell the same lie so many times you start to believe it is truth.

Like a forest fire my tongue burns away the person I want to be.
How can such a small thing have such great power?
It can build people up or tear them down.
It can speak truth or lies.
It can speak anger or show love.
It can praise or curse.

I praise our heavenly father with my tongue and then with the same tongue I turn my back and curse him.
But my friends, can fresh water and salt water come out of the same spring?
BY NO MEANS!
You can not give glory to both God and satan.

One day I will be before your judgment seat and have to give account for every careless word, every hateful thing, and every lie that I ever spoke.
For by my words I will be justified and by my words I will be condemned.

So Lord take this foolish tongue and push it back behind my teeth.
Better for me not to speak another word at all than for me to continue speaking false truths.

Lord I need a bridle in my mouth.
I need to keep my tongue planted firmly behind my teeth.
Lord set a guard over my mouth and keep watch over the door of my lips.
                  

Reviews

[Kelly M.]

This was quite a powerful write... really makes me want to stop and think before I speak. I really like the part: "Like a forest fire my tongue burns away the person I want to be. How can such a small thing have such great power? It can build people up or tear them down. It can speak truth or lies. It can speak anger or show love. It can praise or curse."

Moving stuff.

[Erik Daniel]

Thank you so much!

[Demii]

I just looked at my read requests now !
This is really emotional and I honestly couldn't stop reading it, the flow was just perfect, the way you described everything was remarkably well, and this I loved this, it is so true. "I have hidden behind so many lies that I don't even know who I am anymore.
My lies have become my mask.
I guess after you tell the same lie so many times you start to believe it is truth." Good read!

[Erik Daniel]

Thank you so much!

[Shirlena]

Nice take on the scripture about the tongue...good there are also solution scriptures huh? That is why I'm such a fan of the Bible because God doesn't tell you about a problem without showing you also how to fix it. Very interesting rendition...enjoyed.

[Erik Daniel]

Thank you so much!

[paul sal.....]

No need for a bridle if you tell the truth, you can live in peace if you only say what is on your mind

[Erik Daniel]

Thank you for your review and opinion!

[Madison O'Dwyer]

I loved every word in this beautiful poem. Thank you for sharing :o)

[Erik Daniel]

Wow. Thank you so much!

[Holly]

This is very powerful and has an important message. Words can comfort, or words can kill. Thank you so much for sharing :)

[Erik Daniel]

Thank you for reviewing!

[Linda alexander]

Lord I need a bridle in my mouth.
I need to keep my tongue planted firmly behind my teeth.
Lord set a guard over my mouth and keep watch over the door of my lips.

Great poem with a great message, message is very clear, impressed

[Erik Daniel]

Thank you Linda!

[Linda alexander]

You most welcome, take care

[Tina Louise UK]

You are human, therefore imperfect...but you try and that is the most important thing :) x

[Erik Daniel]

I agree! Thanks Tia!

[Shaquana Adams]

Our words are certainly powerful. Nicely penned :)

[Erik Daniel]

Thank you!

[Sami Khalil]

We misjudge the power of the tongue which can be a painful sword or a great balm. Thank you for sharing your wise words on the subject...Bravo...............

[Erik Daniel]

Thank you Sami!

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome...:)...............