Back to business.
The middle school context for "taming the tongue" is foul language & gossip. Curse words were no longer whispered at recess, but began to be vogue among the "cool kids" and even my own friends. Cursing showed that you were grown, that you didn't have to do everything you were told, that you knew about mature things and weren't afraid to show it. Gossip was a less obvious, but equally prevalent, vice - social information was a currency that could be traded for trust and social standing. "She's "going out" with him? They said what? I thought they were best friends... "
- James 1:26
- 26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.
- James 3:4-12
- 4 Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires.
- 5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!
- 6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell
- 7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race.
- 8 But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.
- 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God;
- 10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.
- 11 Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?
- 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.
- Ephesians 4:29
- 29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.
- Colossians 3:8
- 8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.
- James 5:12
- 12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.
- Titus 3:2
- 2 [Remind them]to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.
- 2 Timothy 2:16
- 16 But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,
- Ephesians 5:4
- 4 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
- Matthew 12:37
- 37 “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
- Matthew 15:11
- 11 “It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.”
- Proverbs 14:3
- 3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his back,
- But the lips of the wise will protect them.
Gossip, lying, dirty jokes, and cursing have no place in the mouth of a follower of God. We should speak in a way that builds others up. We should speak with thanksgiving. We should speak according to the need of the moment. We should speak gently and peaceably, considering others. We should speak honestly, with no deceit. Our words will either justify and protect us, or defile and condemn us.
Our words come from our heart. If our heart is focused on God and what is right, then our words will follow. A heart that dwells on filth will yield it. When we think highly of ourselves, it will show in our communication, and our communication will reveal how much we consider others. A heart that is always amazed by God will express itself with joy and thanksgiving!
No comments:
Post a Comment