The Little-Big Muscle

Like the heart, the tongue is almost all muscle. But unlike the repetitive cardiac contractions, it is capable of very precise, complicated, and elaborate movements. It has many important responsibilities that we usually take for granted. For instance, without a tongue there would be no talking, no singing, and no whistling. The tongue is capable of much more than speech. This fascinating muscle is indispensable in eating our food. The upper surface is covered with small projections called papilla, which give it a rough texture. This design helps the tongue move food around in the mouth and direct it to your throat. Without your tongue, you would have to lay back to eat.

Another important function of the tongue is the sense of taste! It is covered with approximately 10,000 taste buds, grouped in different areas sensitive to sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors. The sense of smell adds information, providing a wide range of taste. Imagine food with no taste; that’s what it would be without your tongue! Chemicals from the food we eat stimulate receptors in each of these areas, and nerves transmit this input to the brain.

In Psalm 35, David calls to God to avenge him. “Vindicate me, O Lord my God, according to Your righteousness” (v. 24). He concludes, “And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness and of Your praise all the day long.” Take time today to praise the Lord with your tongue.

Key Bible Texts

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (Philippians 2:10 KJV)