My Heroic Husband is the Senior Pastor. He recently finished a sermon series on the book of James. When he got to Chapter 3, HH entitled his sermon, Vicious Tongues.
James 3:7-10
Every sea creature, reptile, bird, or animal is tamed and has been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. We praise our Lord and Father with it, and we curse men who are made in God’s likeness with it. Praising and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers, these things should not be this way.
We praise our Heavenly Father with the same tongue that we use to curse others. We tell God how much we love Him with the same mouth that we use to cut others down.
Solomon has lots to say about the words we speak.
- A lying tongue
- A flattering mouth
- A righteous tongue
- A perverse tongue
- A wise tongue
- Truthful lips
- Foolish mouths
- Healing tongue
- A devious tongue
- Malicious talk
- A destructive tongue
- A guarded mouth and tongue
- A gentle tongue
- A backbiting tongue
- A loving tongue
A few days ago, I was running and listening to a sermon by Pastor Stephen Davey entitled The Word on Words. He points out ways our words can hurt and ways our words can help.
"Words can deceive...destroy...and divide."Words hurt. Everyone knows what it is like to have people talk about you behind your back. It is not a good feeling. But how many times do we turn around and do the same thing to someone else? We detest gossip when we are the subject, but it is never that bad when we talk about someone else in the same way.
What is gossip? Gossip is defined as "idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others."
So, that means as long as it is not merely rumors about someone's private business it is fair game to talk about.
Maybe according to the "definition" of gossip that is "trueish." But, how should we really view what comes out of our mouths?
Is it true - is it honorable - is it just - is it pure - is it lovely - is it commendable - is it morally excellent - is it praiseworthy?
Our words can also
"Provide good counsel...confront...comfort...and cheer."Why is it more fun to use our words to tear people down rather than build them up?
Pastor Davey ended his sermon by giving practical ways of what we should do with our words.
"First, surround our words!
Proverbs 21:23
The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
We should surround our words – 'Lord, post guards at the door of my lips. Don't let anything out without clearance from You.'"
"Second, at every possible chance, silence our words!
Proverbs 10:19
The one who controls his lips is wise.
One of the smartest things we can do sometimes is bite our own tongue."
"Thirdly, sweeten our words!I don't know about you, but I am constantly surrounded by gossip - sometimes as the subject and sometimes not. But either way it hurts - or should hurt. I remember once in middle school I was around a group of girls who were gossiping about another girl - a friend of mine. I did not join in the gossip, but I just sat there - I didn't correct - I didn't walk away - I just sat. Even though I was not talking - by not doing anything, I was just as guilty. (Note, I did go back and ask my friend's forgiveness for not sticking up for her - and I later became the gossip subject of that same group of girls.)
Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste and health to the body."
Matthew 12:36-37
"I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
Words can hurt - or they can help. How we use our words will determine their effect. Before you open your mouth to speak, think - is it honorable?
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