Are you an extrovert like me? Do you like to speak? Do you love to tell a good story...perhaps the story of your life, the story of how you came to faith in Christ, the story of how you met your spouse, or some other story near and dear to you? Do you love entertaining an audience with your gift of gab? Do you love going on and on and on about this and that, everything from the weather to your opinion on the politician running for office? I do. Most people I know engage in what we call small-talk. It may be serious, or it may just be making casual conversation. At times do you throw in statements you do not mean to say in the heat of the moment? I know I do. Perhaps you were angry? Perhaps bitter? Perhaps tired? Perhaps overworked? Perhaps depressed? Perhaps provoked? Perhaps resentful or sorrowful? Perhaps hurting? Perhaps feeling wronged? Perhaps feeling judged or unwanted or feeling not valued? In the heat of the moment did you say something which you later came to regret? The Bible cautions us about the power of the tongue and the need to tame it. We could all learn from it, myself included.
We could learn a thing or two from the life and example of Jesus. You see, the Bible teaches us that Jesus did not speak unnecessarily, and when he did speak, words of wisdom came out of his mouth. The tongue can be used to praise God and sing of His glory. Indeed the tongue can be used for good just as it can for evil, and it can also be used by God mightily to spread the Gospel. So, consider these Bible verses, relevant to speaking, speech and the tongue:
"Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether." Psalm 139:4
Indeed, the LORD knows what we are about to say even before we say it. He who created us and is above all knowledge and wisdom and knows us inside and out.
"The Holy Spirit will give you the words to say at the moment when you need them." Luke 12:12
"Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:9-11
"Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commands are right." Psalm 119:172
"my lips will speak no evil, and my tongue will speak no lies." Job 27:4
"Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue." Psalm 120:2
"Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones." Proverbs 25:15
"And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness. And of Your praise all the day long." Psalm 35:28
"There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health." Proverbs 12:18
"Four manner of things appear: good and evil, life and death: but the tongue ruleth over them continually." Sirach 37:18
"The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice." Psalm 37:30
"Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the Lord" Psalm 15:1-4
"The Spirit of the LORD speaks through me. His Word is upon my tongue" 2 Samuel 23:2
"You shall be hidden from the lash of the tongue, and shall not fear destruction when it comes." Job 5:21
"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." Proverbs 31:26
"Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God." Luke 1:64
Warning Verses about the tongue:
"Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!" Psalm 34:13
"There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family." Proverbs 6:16-19
"The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth." Proverbs 10:20
"You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue." Psalm 52:4
"Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble." Proverbs 21:23
"Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully; with his mouth each speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he plans an ambush for him." Jeremiah 9:8
"Your mouth is filled with wickedness, and your tongue is full of lies." Psalm 50:19
"The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off." Proverbs 10:31
"Many have fallen by the edge of the sword, but many more have fallen because of the tongue." Sirach 28:18
"The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly." Proverbs 15:2
"Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:4
"What will He give to you, and what more will He do to you, You deceitful tongue?" Psalm 120:3
"I cried to Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue." Psalm 66:17
"May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that speaks great things; who have said, 'With our tongue we will prevail; Our lips are our own; who is lord over us?' " Psalm 12:3-4
"from the deep belly of Hades, from an unclean tongue and lying words, the slander of an unrighteous tongue to the king." Sirach 51:5
"The blow of a whip leaves a welt, but the blow of the tongue will break bones." Sirach 28:17
"The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks." Proverbs 25:23
"Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander." Proverbs 17:4
"A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin." Proverbs 26:28
"Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue." Proverbs 28:23
"A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin." Proverbs 26:28
"For the word is a lamp. The teaching is a light, and strong words that punish are the way of life. They keep you from the sinful woman, from the smooth tongue of a sinful woman. Do not desire her beauty in your heart. Do not let her catch you with her eyes." Proverbs 6:23-25
"Speaking brings glory or dishonor. Indeed, the tongue can be a person’s downfall." Sirach 5:13
"Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment." Proverbs 12:19
"A slip on the pavement is better than a slip of the tongue; the downfall of the wicked will occur just as speedily." Sirach 20:18
"We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." James 3:3-8
Even Jesus had a few choice words to say about the destructive nature of the tongue:
"Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.” Matthew 15:17-20
In my own personal experience in this life here on earth, you will be condemned for everything you say and for everything you do, either right away or many years later. So be careful about what you say and do because you will have to give account for it sooner or later.
To be continued....
-----------------------------
Note: The Wisdom of Sirach, Book of Sirach, Ben Sira, or simply Sirach (/ˈsaɪræk/), is a Jewish work, originally in Hebrew, of ethical teachings, from approximately 200 to 175 BC, written by the Judahite scribe Ben Sira of Jerusalem, on the inspiration of his father Joshua son of Sirach. Sirach is accepted as part of the Canon by Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and most of Oriental Orthodox Christians. The Anglican tradition considers Sirach (which was published with other Greek Jewish books in a separate section of the King James Bible) among the apocryphal books, and read them "for example of life and instruction of manners; but yet [do] not apply them to establish any doctrine." The Lutheran Churches take a similar position. It was cited in some writings in early Christianity. There are claims that it is cited in the Epistle of James, and also the non-canonical Didache (iv. 5) and Epistle of Barnabas (xix. 9). Clement of Alexandria and Origen quote from it repeatedly, as from a γραφή (Scripture).
We could learn a thing or two from the life and example of Jesus. You see, the Bible teaches us that Jesus did not speak unnecessarily, and when he did speak, words of wisdom came out of his mouth. The tongue can be used to praise God and sing of His glory. Indeed the tongue can be used for good just as it can for evil, and it can also be used by God mightily to spread the Gospel. So, consider these Bible verses, relevant to speaking, speech and the tongue:
"Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether." Psalm 139:4
Indeed, the LORD knows what we are about to say even before we say it. He who created us and is above all knowledge and wisdom and knows us inside and out.
"The Holy Spirit will give you the words to say at the moment when you need them." Luke 12:12
"Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:9-11
"Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commands are right." Psalm 119:172
"my lips will speak no evil, and my tongue will speak no lies." Job 27:4
"Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue." Psalm 120:2
"Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones." Proverbs 25:15
"And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness. And of Your praise all the day long." Psalm 35:28
"There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health." Proverbs 12:18
"Four manner of things appear: good and evil, life and death: but the tongue ruleth over them continually." Sirach 37:18
"The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice." Psalm 37:30
"Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the Lord" Psalm 15:1-4
"The Spirit of the LORD speaks through me. His Word is upon my tongue" 2 Samuel 23:2
"You shall be hidden from the lash of the tongue, and shall not fear destruction when it comes." Job 5:21
"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." Proverbs 31:26
"Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God." Luke 1:64
Warning Verses about the tongue:
"Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!" Psalm 34:13
"There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family." Proverbs 6:16-19
"The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth." Proverbs 10:20
"You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue." Psalm 52:4
"Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble." Proverbs 21:23
"Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully; with his mouth each speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he plans an ambush for him." Jeremiah 9:8
"Your mouth is filled with wickedness, and your tongue is full of lies." Psalm 50:19
"The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off." Proverbs 10:31
"Many have fallen by the edge of the sword, but many more have fallen because of the tongue." Sirach 28:18
"The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly." Proverbs 15:2
"Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:4
"What will He give to you, and what more will He do to you, You deceitful tongue?" Psalm 120:3
"I cried to Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue." Psalm 66:17
"May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that speaks great things; who have said, 'With our tongue we will prevail; Our lips are our own; who is lord over us?' " Psalm 12:3-4
"from the deep belly of Hades, from an unclean tongue and lying words, the slander of an unrighteous tongue to the king." Sirach 51:5
"The blow of a whip leaves a welt, but the blow of the tongue will break bones." Sirach 28:17
"The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks." Proverbs 25:23
"Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander." Proverbs 17:4
"A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin." Proverbs 26:28
"Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue." Proverbs 28:23
"A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin." Proverbs 26:28
"For the word is a lamp. The teaching is a light, and strong words that punish are the way of life. They keep you from the sinful woman, from the smooth tongue of a sinful woman. Do not desire her beauty in your heart. Do not let her catch you with her eyes." Proverbs 6:23-25
"Speaking brings glory or dishonor. Indeed, the tongue can be a person’s downfall." Sirach 5:13
"Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment." Proverbs 12:19
"A slip on the pavement is better than a slip of the tongue; the downfall of the wicked will occur just as speedily." Sirach 20:18
"We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." James 3:3-8
Even Jesus had a few choice words to say about the destructive nature of the tongue:
"Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.” Matthew 15:17-20
In my own personal experience in this life here on earth, you will be condemned for everything you say and for everything you do, either right away or many years later. So be careful about what you say and do because you will have to give account for it sooner or later.
To be continued....
-----------------------------
Note: The Wisdom of Sirach, Book of Sirach, Ben Sira, or simply Sirach (/ˈsaɪræk/), is a Jewish work, originally in Hebrew, of ethical teachings, from approximately 200 to 175 BC, written by the Judahite scribe Ben Sira of Jerusalem, on the inspiration of his father Joshua son of Sirach. Sirach is accepted as part of the Canon by Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and most of Oriental Orthodox Christians. The Anglican tradition considers Sirach (which was published with other Greek Jewish books in a separate section of the King James Bible) among the apocryphal books, and read them "for example of life and instruction of manners; but yet [do] not apply them to establish any doctrine." The Lutheran Churches take a similar position. It was cited in some writings in early Christianity. There are claims that it is cited in the Epistle of James, and also the non-canonical Didache (iv. 5) and Epistle of Barnabas (xix. 9). Clement of Alexandria and Origen quote from it repeatedly, as from a γραφή (Scripture).
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