Better to Let the Lord Control Our Tongues

God’s Word confirms that human tongue is unruly evil, uncontrollable and full of deadly poison, “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body…And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly(untameable, uncontrollable) evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:2, 6-8).

When truly acknowledging our evil tongues, we shall ask God to control our tongues as well as our hearts. Jesus says,“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things” (Matt 12:34-35). If our hearts are full of worldliness, we shall like to speak about worldly things. When unbelievers gather together they like to talk about worldly values and lifestyles, about movies, fashions, movie stars, pop stars, sports stars, or new high-tech gadgets. Those whose hearts are full of sexual lusts will talk about sexual topics. Those whose hearts are full of anger, deceit, boast or pride shall speak out bad words, strong words, flattering words, lies, boastful words and arrogant words. It is vital for you and me to have a sanctified heart full of good things from the Lord, so that we can speak edifying words to others.

Better to Watch Our Words

You and I have to watch our words because every word we have spoken and shall speak will be judged on the Judgement Day. The Lord Jesus Christ confirms this truth, “But I say unto you, That every idle word (empty word, insincere word)that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matt 12:36-37), and “The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things” (Ps 12:3), and “…all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Rev 21:8). It is so serious! God’s Word teaches us to keep our tongues from evil and deceit so that we can enjoy His blessings, “What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile” (Ps 34:12-14), and “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” (Prov 18:21) and “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles” (Prov 21:23).