Words Are Powerful Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue. James 3:2 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 we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.