The tongue is a very difficult part of the body to control. Why is that?

James 3:8 “7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.”

It’s a never ending challenge to control our tongues. I mean, when can we ever really let loose and say what we want?! Actually? Never!

Passage Hebrews 11:3: “3Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”

What we say out of our mouths forms our future. Believe it? I do. You and I eat the fruit of our tongues.

Proverbs 18:21 “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”

Proverbs 18:6-8 “6 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels;

they are asking for a beating.

7 The mouths of fools are their ruin;

they trap themselves with their lips.

8 Rumors are dainty morsels

that sink deep into one’s heart.”

Proverbs 1:31 “Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes.”

Proverbs 18:13 “13 Spouting off before listening to the facts

is both shameful and foolish.”

Proverbs 18:14 “14 Intelligent people are always ready to learn.

Their ears are open for knowledge.”

We are deceived if we believe we can say what we want when we’re amongst friends. We really can’t.

Ecclesiastes 10:20 “Never make light of the king, even in your thoughts. And don’t make fun of the powerful, even in your own bedroom. For a little bird might deliver your message and tell them what you said.”

At work I am very careful to watch what I say when on the phone, and when speaking in person. People can now record conversations on the phone, and on their phone while standing right in front of you! So it would be nice if I could let down when I get home, but even then we need to watch what we say!

I pray all the time that the Lord put a guard over my mouth so I don’t speak anything negative about myself, my spouse or my family. I pray that all the words out of my mouth either glorify God or edify the listener or the person I am speaking about.

Ephesians 4:29-32 “29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

We really need to work on what comes out of our mouths. And it’s a never ending challenge! Wouldn’t it be nice if we were only around people who are also trying to watch what comes out of their mouths? What kind of world would it be if everyone is speaking kind words and compliments about each other, things that build up – not tear down a person, and considered each other’s feelings before making a comment about their hair or clothes, and thought about the good things one has done to help someone, or the good job they did, and did not speak about embarassing things that have happened to someone, that would cause more embarassment, or even worse, possibly cause one to lose their job, or end a marriage? It sounds a little like heaven, doesn’t it?

Psalm 50:23 “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.”

I want that salvation. How ‘bout you?