The tiny little tongue in your mouth has probably got the most things in the Bible written about it or at least is up there at the top. We can never hear too many sermons on watching our mouths and what we say. I will highlight just a few verses from Proverbs to ponder.
Proverbs 10:14 says " a wise man holds his tongue. Only a fool blurts out everything he knows,that only leads to sorrow and trouble.". Proverbs 11:9 says "evil words destroy, godly skill rebuilds." Proverbs 10:19 says "Don't talk too much. You keep putting your foot in your mouth. Be sensible and turn off the flow." Proverbs 12:18 says "some people like to make cutting remarks but the words of the wise soothe and heal." Proverbs 13:3 says "self control means controlling the tongue. A quick retort can ruin everything!" Proverbs 13:17 says " An unreliable messenger can cause a lot of trouble. Reliable communication permits progress." One of my favorites is Proverbs 15:1 which says " a soft answer turns away wrath but harsh words start quarrels." Proverbs 17:27-28 says" The man of few words and settled mind is wise; therefore,even a fool is thought to be wise when he is silent. It pays him to keep his mouth shut. "
There are many more, especially in the book of Proverbs. Thinking before we speak is a discipline to develop. Bad things that proceed from the mouth are lying, gossip, sarcasm, hatred, nagging, belittling, anger, bad advice, complaining, rudeness, blaming, abrasiveness, excuses, critical spirit, negativity, harshness, name calling, judging, swearing, quarreling, offensiveness, bitterness and probably a few others you could fill in. These types of communication are certainly not from the Lord. Ask God 'how do you want me to respond' but may I suggest to try to respond with 'grace' to everyone around you and you will be much better off. And above all think before you speak as sometimes our emotions get us to say things without thought causing pain and hurt in relationships.
With our mouths we should bless others and speak words of encouragement and love. There is a saying 'if you do not have anything good to say do not say anything at all'. Good advice for all of us. James 3:9-10 says to us " With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be."
If we could just control our tongue we have won a tremendous battle. If you have hurt someone with words you have said go and ask forgiveness. Try to let the Lord control what comes from that mouth and you will have a better life. I will end with Ephesians 4:29 which 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."
PRAYER: Father forgive me when I have not always used pleasant words in my daily activities. Help me Lord to be careful what I say and to be honorable and kind. Help my words be gracious as if seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6) both inside my home and out in the marketplace and with my friends. In Jesus name. Amen.
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