Controlling Our Tongue

Too often our words leave our mouths faster than we can process the impact that they will have on others.  I can’t begin to count the number times my own words have caused more difficulty and heartache than I ever intended them to do.  Our words are capable of breathing life into other people as we speak the truth in love.  Our words are also capable of sucking the life out of others and even cause painful division for years as we speak lies, gossip, or unkind things about them.  The timeliness of our words can also bring about a great deal of heartache.  I believe one of the best ways to gain control of our speech is to read, pray, and memorize Scripture, as it will shape how we speak to others.  When Christians yield the control of their every word to the Holy Spirit of God they can then begin to see how God uses them in building and reaching others. 

Please read, reflect and pray these verses of Scripture concerning our words:

1.     Proverbs 21:23, “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”

2.     Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

3.     Proverbs 12:18, “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

4.     Proverbs 17:28, “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.”

5.     Proverbs 26:20, “For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.”

6.     Psalm 141:3, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”

7.     James 1:26, “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.”

8.     James 3:10, “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”