Have you ever ever discovered your self talking harshly or saying one thing you didn’t imply? It’s straightforward to let our phrases slip, however as Christians, we’re known as to protect our tongues. James 3:8 says, “Nobody can tame the tongue. It’s stressed and evil, stuffed with lethal poison.” Whereas it might appear unattainable to maintain our speech in examine, there may be hope. The excellent news is that with God’s assist, we will work to tame our tongues and converse phrases that honor Him.
On this publish, we’ll discover what the Bible says about taming the tongue, why it issues, and sensible steps you’ll be able to take to vary your speech.
What the Bible Says About Taming the Tongue
Wouldn’t it shock you to know two of the ten Commandments should do with taming our tongue? The third commandment prohibits taking God’s title in useless (Exodus 20:7), and the ninth commandment forbids false witness towards our neighbor. (Exodus 20:16)
The Bible gives many highly effective verses on the tongue, highlighting each its potential to harm and its means to carry therapeutic.
The Energy of Phrases:
- “The phrases of the godly are like sterling silver; the guts of a idiot is nugatory.” Proverbs 10:20.
- “Some individuals make chopping remarks, however the phrases of the sensible carry therapeutic.” Proverbs 12:18
- “Mild phrases are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4
- “Don’t let any unwholesome discuss come out of your mouths, however solely what is useful for constructing others up based on their wants, that it might profit those that pay attention.” Ephesians 4:29.
The Harmful Nature of the Tongue:
- “Your tongue cuts like a pointy razor; you’re an skilled at telling lies.” Psalm 52:2.
- “The tongue is a flame of fireside. It’s a entire world of wickedness, corrupting your complete physique.” James 3:6.
- “For his or her tongues shoot lies like poisoned arrows.” Jeremiah 9:8.
- “They sharpen their tongues like swords and purpose their bitter phrases like arrows.” Psalm 64:3.
It’s clear that our phrases can both construct others up or tear them down. Scripture’s descriptions of the tongue spotlight the significance of being aware of what we are saying.
Why Taming the Tongue is a Coronary heart Subject
In Matthew 12:34, Jesus offers us the important thing to understanding why taming the tongue can really feel so tough: “For out of the overflow of the guts, the mouth speaks.” This verse reveals that our phrases replicate the situation of our hearts.
It’s not only a matter of controlling our speech; we want God to rework our hearts in order that our phrases align with His will.
As Matthew Henry’s commentary places it, “The center is the fountain, phrases are the streams.”
To vary the phrases we converse, we have to first ask God to cleanse and renew our hearts.
Steps to Tame the Tongue
- Assess Your Speech
Take time to replicate truthfully in your language. Are there areas in your speech that want enchancment? Whether or not it’s gossip, sarcasm, or anger, figuring out your speech patterns is step one towards change. - Ask for God’s Assist
We will’t do that on our personal. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your coronary heart and convict you of any phrases that don’t replicate God’s love. He’ll information you to talk with grace and kindness. - Pray for Management
David’s prayer in Psalm 141:3 is a superb place to begin: “Take management of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.” Ask God that will help you converse phrases that carry therapeutic and encouragement. - Memorize Key Verses
James 1:19 says, “Everybody needs to be fast to pay attention, gradual to talk, and gradual to anger.” Meditating on verses like this can assist you pause earlier than talking and suppose extra rigorously about your phrases. - Observe Your Speech
For just a few days, observe the conditions the place you battle together with your speech. Understanding your triggers can assist you keep away from conditions that result in adverse speech habits. - Write As an alternative of Talking
Whenever you really feel pissed off or indignant, attempt writing out your emotions as a substitute of talking them. This can assist you course of your feelings and stop saying one thing you may remorse.
How God Can Rework Your Phrases
Even the nice prophet Isaiah struggled along with his speech! After seeing a imaginative and prescient of God on His throne, Isaiah declared, “Woe to me! I’m ruined! For I’m a person of unclean lips.” (Isaiah 6:5).
God didn’t go away Isaiah in his disgrace. As an alternative, He forgave him and despatched an angel to cleanse Isaiah’s lips, getting ready him to talk God’s fact.
Isaiah then heard the Lord in search of somebody to proclaim His fact, asking, “Who shall I ship, and who will go for us?” Isaiah steps up and says, “Right here am I! Ship me!” v8.
God can do the identical for us. Once we invite Him into our hearts, He’ll cleanse us and assist us use our phrases to glorify Him.
Conclusion: Taming the Tongue with God’s Assist
Taming the tongue shouldn’t be a easy activity, however with God’s assist, it’s potential. By specializing in the situation of our hearts, asking for His steerage, and placing sensible steps into place, we will converse phrases that replicate His love and produce encouragement to others.
“Might these phrases of my mouth and this meditation of my coronary heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14.
Blessings,
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the New Worldwide Model until specified in any other case.
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