Do you know what the most powerful muscle in the human body is?
Some would argue that it depends on how you define “strength.”
The masseter (your jaw muscle) is the strongest muscle by weight. It can exert a crushing bite force up to 200 pounds on your molars. The gluteus maximus is the largest and heaviest muscle, generating powerful bursts of force to keep you upright. The soleus in your calf is incredibly strong, constantly working to pull against gravity to support your entire body weight while walking or jumping. The heart is the hardest-working muscle, continuously pumping blood without ever resting over a lifetime.
But I would argue that the most powerful, most life-giving and/or soul-sucking muscle in the human body is the tongue.
The Bible teaches us that the power of life and death lies in the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21, which states: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (NIV).) Our words have immense influence on those around us–we can build people up or we can tear them down.
I think we often underestimate how much a little “venting” can create a ripple effect that builds and builds until entire shorelines are eroded into nothing. What starts as just a simple frustration aired to a friend or co-worker, suddenly comes back around twisted, blown out of proportion, and slapping you straight upside the head. I know that the biggest messes I’ve found myself in over my lifetime have started with my big mouth! But also, some of the greatest comfort I have offered others and been offered by others have been words sweet as honey, reassuring, and loving.
At every staff meeting, we talk about Rotary International’s 4-Way Test, and while this “test” was originally intended for business interactions, I have found it to be instrumental in shaping how I use my words. What we say and how we say it has a significant impact on those around us. No matter how important your title, how humble your position, how close your friendship, or how simple your intent, words are powerful! So, let this 4-Way Test and a few more examples from the BIble remind you to speak sweetly.
“Sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.” — Proverbs 16:21
“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” — Proverbs 16:24
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” — Mother Teresa
“Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.” — Andy Rooney
“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
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
The 4-Way Test – Of the things we think, say, and do:
1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build good will and better friendships?
4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Be sure to answer those questions before you open your mouth. I can promise you from experience that life gets a lot less complicated when you do!
Jesus loves you and so do I!
Dr. Allison Key
