DCLM Daily Manna 21 February 2026: Fire in Your Mouth
Text: James 3:1–5 (KJV)
My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.
See how great a forest a little fire kindles!
KEY VERSE: James 3:5
“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”
Read Other DCLM Daily Manna Devotional Here
The world was thrown into chaos in 1914 when Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated. His death was not merely the act of a gunman; it became the spark that ignited World War I and led to the deaths of millions. What began as a single event grew into an inferno of destruction.
The Bible similarly compares the tongue to fire: “Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” One careless word can destroy relationships, reputations, and even destinies. Like a match dropped in dry grass, wrong words can set lives ablaze.
Teachers of God’s word carry great responsibility because their words have influence. Yet the warning applies to everyone. James gives powerful illustrations: the tongue is like a bit that controls a horse (v.3) and a rudder that steers a great ship (v.4). Though small, it has enormous impact.
One word of gossip, one slanderous statement, or one lie can:
destroy a life
divide a church
damage a family
derail a destiny
Our speech reveals the condition of our hearts. A loose tongue often reflects an undisciplined heart. Many homes, marriages, and ministries suffer not from major sins but from careless words.
Jesus warned that every idle word will be accounted for on the day of judgment (Matthew 12:36). No word is insignificant before God.
Pause and reflect:
Do you think before speaking?
Do your words heal or hurt?
Do you spread truth or gossip?
Instead of fuelling destructive fires, let your words bring life, peace, and healing.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Some folks would be better off with a perpetual “sleep of tongue.”
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
DCLM Daily Manna 21 FEBRUARY 2026
