In what ways can we ensure our speech aligns with biblical teachings? The Warning Light from James 3:6 “ The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” Why Our Speech Matters • Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” • Matthew 12:36-37 – Our words will be called to account on the day of judgment. • Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only what is beneficial for building up the one in need.” • Colossians 4:6 – “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Guardrails for God-Honoring Speech • Receive a new heart first (Luke 6:45). • Invite the Holy Spirit to bridle the tongue (Galatians 5:22-23). • Filter every word through truth and love (Ephesians 4:15). • Reject gossip, slander, and coarse joking (Proverbs 20:19; Ephesians 5:4). • Speak blessings, not curses (Romans 12:14). • Keep promises; avoid rash vows (Matthew 5:37; Proverbs 20:25). Practicing Tongue Control Daily 1. Start the day in Scripture; let God’s Word set the tone (Psalm 19:14). 2. Pause before speaking—ask, “Is it true? Kind? Necessary?” 3. Replace grumbling with gratitude (Philippians 2:14-15). 4. Use soft answers to defuse anger (Proverbs 15:1). 5. Offer apologies quickly when words wound (Matthew 5:23-24). 6. Surround yourself with people who model godly speech (Proverbs 13:20). Words That Reflect Christ • Encouraging a discouraged friend (1 Thessalonians 5:11). • Sharing the gospel clearly and confidently (Romans 10:17). • Teaching sound doctrine without quarrels (2 Timothy 2:24-25). • Singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19). Scriptures to Memorize • Psalm 141:3 – “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.” • Proverbs 10:19 – “When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” • James 1:19 – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” • 1 Peter 3:10 – “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.” Daily Commitments • Speak only what builds up. • Let Scripture be the vocabulary of your heart. • Depend on the Spirit every time your mouth opens. |
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