The words we use in speech A Study of the Tongue The words we use in speech

Observations: God connected the tongue to the heart Tongue reveals thoughts (Matt 12:33-37) Tongue exposes sins (Matt 15:10-20) God gave the tongue as a gift The gift of speech is complex God created the tongue with abilities

power of the tongue” (Prov 18:21). Abilities Start wars Divide families & the church Destroy friendships Slander the innocent Misrepresent God & His Word Discourage & deflate Upset & depress Glorify the ego of man Advance human wisdom Condone disobedience Make peace Unite families & the church Strengthen friendships Compliment someone Teach the truth of God Encourage & inspire Comfort & console Glorify God in worship Teach lost & train saved Correct the disobedient “Death & life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov 18:21).   We are stewards of a powerful member (Matt 25:14-30).

Controlling the Tongue Jas 1:26 – If anyone among you thinks he is religious, & does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Eccl 5:6 – Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error. Why should God be angry at your excuse & destroy the work of your hands?

Controlling the Tongue Psa 141:3 – Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.   Prov 18:6-7 – A fool’s lips enter into contention, & his mouth calls for blows. 7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, & his lips are the snare of his soul.

Controlling the Tongue Prov 18:13 – He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly & shame to him.   Jas 1:19-20 – So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

General Passages Psa 139:4 – For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. Prov 10:19-21 – In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is worth little.  The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom.

General Passages Prov 15:1-2 – A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.  The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.   Prov 20:15 – There is gold & a multitude of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

General Passages Prov 21:23 – Whoever guards his mouth & tongue keeps his soul from troubles.   1 Pet 3:10 (Psa 34:12-13) – For ‘He who would live life & see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil, & his lips from speaking deceit’

General Passages Col 4:6 – Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.   Matt 12:37 – For by your words you will be justified, & by your words you will be condemned.

The Tongue though “little” demands great restraint (James 3:5) “For we all stumble in many things - If anyone does not stumble in word; he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body” (Jas 3:2).