Bite your tongue. That's how we advise caution in speech or express regrets over something said. And if the advise is taken literally most of us will have badly scarred and damaged tongues because problems with speech are universal.
Proverbs 12 compares and contrasts wise and foolish speech:
"An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will escape from trouble. A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, And the deeds of a man's hands will return to him. There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips will be established forever, But a lying tongue is only for a moment. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal faithfully are His delight. " (Proverbs 12:13,14,19)
James describes in less-than-flattering terms the dilemma of the tongue and speech:
"For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison." (James 3:7-8)
Much as we wish it could be otherwise, there is no permanent taming of the tongue. Because of its inherent evil nature it requires constant vigilance and supernatural control by the Spirit of God, but inevitably there will be lapses when it will escape control and do irreparable damage.
The best solution for the problem of the tongue is proactive training for its positive use. These verses provide some excellent guidance:
"Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person." (Colossians 4:6)
"in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us." (Titus 2:7-8)
"let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:14-15)
May our speech be a blessing to all we are in contact with today.
Steve
Proverbs 12 compares and contrasts wise and foolish speech:
"An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will escape from trouble. A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, And the deeds of a man's hands will return to him. There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips will be established forever, But a lying tongue is only for a moment. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal faithfully are His delight. " (Proverbs 12:13,14,19)
James describes in less-than-flattering terms the dilemma of the tongue and speech:
"For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison." (James 3:7-8)
Much as we wish it could be otherwise, there is no permanent taming of the tongue. Because of its inherent evil nature it requires constant vigilance and supernatural control by the Spirit of God, but inevitably there will be lapses when it will escape control and do irreparable damage.
The best solution for the problem of the tongue is proactive training for its positive use. These verses provide some excellent guidance:
"Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person." (Colossians 4:6)
"in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us." (Titus 2:7-8)
"let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:14-15)
May our speech be a blessing to all we are in contact with today.
Steve
posted by steve @ 8:41 AM
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