In what ways can we seek God's help to avoid "venom of vipers"? Setting the Scene Romans 3:13 says, “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The venom of vipers is on their lips.” The picture is graphic: words and attitudes can carry a poison every bit as real as snakebite, infecting hearts, homes, and churches. God, who records this warning, also supplies everything necessary to keep us from being poisoned or spreading poison ourselves. Recognizing the Venom • Deceitful, cutting, or slanderous words (Psalm 140:3). • Bitterness that seeps into speech and actions (Hebrews 12:15). • False teaching that undermines faith (2 Peter 2:1). • Cynical, faith-dampening talk that erodes hope (Ephesians 4:29). Seeking God’s Help: Practical Steps • Run to the cross daily. Confess sinful words and receive cleansing—1 John 1:9. • Fill the heart with Scripture so only life can overflow—Colossians 3:16. • Pray for a guarded mouth: “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3) • Choose edifying companions; “bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) • Submit every thought to Christ; venom begins in the mind—2 Corinthians 10:5. • Practice quick forgiveness; anger stored up ferments into poison—Ephesians 4:26-27. • Stay humble; pride keeps us from noticing the toxin in our own lips—James 4:6. Scripture-Filled Safeguards • Memorize Proverbs 15:1; soft answers disarm vipers. • Meditate on James 3:8-10; the tongue can be “a restless evil, full of deadly poison,” yet God commands it to bless. • Recite Isaiah 6:5-7; God purges unclean lips with holy fire, not human effort. • Hold fast to Philippians 4:8; training the mind toward purity starves venom of a breeding ground. Walking It Out Each Day Invite the Holy Spirit to bridle the tongue every morning, soak in the Word throughout the day, and close each evening with honest self-examination. As we yield moment by moment, the Lord replaces venom with living water, turning potential poison into streams of grace for everyone around us. |
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