I have mouth trouble. Sometimes, my tongue beats my eyeballs black and blue in the on-going quest for mouth control! Mercy!
Did you know that humans are the only one of God’s creations that can express their thoughts in words? Some birds can be trained to mimic words and animals can be taught to respond to specific commands. But, only man has been given the ability to verbalize his feelings and thoughts.
The Bible has a lot to say about talking; ranging from a heart condition to words of witness. (Matt. 12:34) What you say reflects what’s really in your heart.
We are to make a place in our hearts that gives reverence to Jesus as Lord and from that understanding, always be ready to share that knowledge with others (evangelism.) (I Peter 3: 15)
Just as in life choices, we have word choices. It takes a conscious effort, a willful act, to use our mouth to build up instead of tear down. (Psalms 19: 14) God doesn’t control my mouth, and neither does the devil; I do.
The Word says the tongue is full of evil and impossible to tame. (James 3:7-8) In other words, it’s a “me” problem that requires that I must consciously commit my mouth to the rule of Christ.
Our mouth is to be used to edify or build up those around us; to encourage, not to tear down. The Word says in James 3:9-10 that it is wrong to use the same mouth that speaks mean words to worship God. I Thessalonians 5:11 says that we are to encourage and build each other up, not tear each other down.
The battle for mouth control is on-going and serious. In Matt. 12:36, God’s Word says that we’ll be held accountable for every careless word we speak.
God does not see teasing or demeaning words as “it’s ok, everybody is doing it.” He sees it as a lack of obedience that cancels our relationship with Him. The Sunday School Child’s song, “be careful little mouth what you say—“ actually isn’t childish at all, it’s a sign of spiritual maturity.
James 1:26 If anyone considers himself to be religious and yet does not keep a tight reign on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to think before I speak. Help me to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit so that I say only those things that lift up and encourage. I love you and thank you. Amen.
Scriptural References:
Matt. 12:34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
I Peter 3: 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Psalms 19: 14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
James 3:7-8 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.
James 3:9-10 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.
I Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing
Matt. 12:36 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.