The Tongue

I shared with the group last week my prayer request to control my tongue better. I’ve been letting the little frustrations of life creep into colorful language that is not honoring to our boss. A good verse for me to dwell on is Ephesians 4:29 that says, “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.”

But, we all know it’s a challenge to control the tongue. James probably framed the battle best in the 3^rd chapter of his letter to the church, when he wrote, “We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 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. 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. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” James 3:2-10

The old saying “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me.” But, poorly chosen words do damage. Mostly, they hurt the speaker…

A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin. Proverbs 26:28

For, Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 1 Peter 3:10

He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

And, God has always put a strong emphasis on speaking the truth…

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Exodus 20:16

"You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44

We are further exhorted that our talk is supposed to reflect our walk of faith, If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. James 1:26

Speaking carefully is reflected in the first written rules for the faithful, and the seriousness of the offense. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain. Exodus 20:7

Sometimes, even if something is true, we shouldn’t be passing it along, when it’s none of our business. He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip. Proverbs 20:19

Finally, more than once, we’re encouraged to just say less, or nothing at all.

A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. Proverbs 11:12

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Proverbs 10:19

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. Proverbs 17:28

Join me in the battle to control the tongue! You help me, and I’ll try to encourage you.