What steps can we take to ensure our words align with biblical truth? The verse that sets the tone “ Their venom is like the venom of a serpent, like a cobra that shuts its ears.” – Psalm 58:4 A vivid picture of words gone wrong • Venom: words can carry poison that harms hearts and reputations. • Cobra with shut ears: the speaker refuses correction, making the poison even deadlier. Seeing the danger motivates change Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Before we start fixing our speech, we must see its potential for destruction. Steps to keep our words in line with biblical truth 1. Soak the heart in Scripture first • Luke 6:45 teaches that the mouth speaks from what fills the heart. • Schedule daily reading, memorization, and meditation (Psalm 119:11). • Let biblical vocabulary become the default setting of the inner life. 2. Invite the Lord’s continual inspection • Psalm 139:23-24 – “Search me, O God…” • Silent pauses during the day: “Lord, was that statement pure, peaceful, gentle?” • Psalm 19:14 – Aim that every word “be pleasing” in His sight. 3. Submit to the Spirit’s restraint • Ephesians 4:29 – speak only what “builds up.” • James 1:19 – be “quick to hear, slow to speak.” • Prayerful dependence: a quick inward call, “Help me, Spirit,” before answering. 4. Slow down and listen • Proverbs 18:13 – answering before listening is folly and shame. • Practical tip: count to three, breathe, then respond; this margin allows truth to catch up to emotion. 5. Filter speech through a three-part test • Is it True? (John 17:17) • Is it Loving? (1 Corinthians 13:1) • Is it Necessary? (Proverbs 10:19) If it fails any point, leave it unsaid. 6. Choose grace-saturated vocabulary • Colossians 4:6 – words “seasoned with salt.” • Replace harsh synonyms: “foolish” → “unwise,” “hate” → “grieve,” etc. • Affirmations outweigh corrections to mirror God’s heart (1 Thessalonians 5:11). 7. Seek accountability • Proverbs 27:17 – iron sharpens iron. • Invite trusted believers to flag unbiblical phrases. • Celebrate progress together to reinforce change. 8. Confess quickly when failure occurs • 1 John 1:9 – immediate cleansing. • Public offense? Offer public apology; healing begins where humility shows. • Each confession trains the tongue for righteousness (James 3:2). 9. Cultivate a thankful tongue • Ephesians 5:4 contrasts crude talk with thanksgiving. • Keep a gratitude list; gratitude pushes poison out, glorifying God instead. The lifelong journey James 3:8 admits, “no man can tame the tongue,” but Philippians 4:13 counters, “I can do all things through Him.” Consistent Scripture intake, Spirit reliance, and humble accountability transform “venom” into life-giving speech that reflects biblical truth day by day. |
    |