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

2. 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

3. 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).

4. 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?

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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’

10. 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.

11. 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).