How can we guard against "perverse lips" in our daily conversations? Key Verse Proverbs 4:24: “Put away deception from your mouth; keep your lips from perverse speech.” What “Perverse Lips” Looks Like • Twisting truth—half-truths, exaggerations, selective omissions • Coarse joking, crude humor, vulgarity • Slander, gossip, character assassination • Manipulative flattery or smooth talk with hidden motives • Cynical, mocking, or scornful words that tear down rather than build up Why God Commands Us to Guard Our Mouths • Words reveal the heart (Matthew 12:34) • Life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21) • We will give account for every careless word (Matthew 12:36) • Corrupt speech grieves the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:29-30) • A wholesome tongue is a tree of life and a witness to Christ (Proverbs 15:4; Colossians 4:6) Practical Ways to Guard Against Perverse Lips 1. Fill the heart with truth – Daily Scripture intake (Psalm 119:11) – Meditate on what is true, noble, right (Philippians 4:8) 2. Practice holy hesitation – “Be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19) – Pause before posting, texting, or replying 3. Speak only what builds up – Ask, “Will this edify?” (Ephesians 4:29) – Replace criticism with encouragement (Proverbs 16:24) 4. Limit exposure to corrupt talk – Filter entertainment, social media, company that normalizes profanity or slander (1 Corinthians 15:33) 5. Invite accountability – Give trusted believers permission to challenge your speech (Hebrews 10:24) 6. Pray Scripture over your mouth – “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3) 7. Confess quickly when you fail – Agree with God, seek forgiveness, make restitution if necessary (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13) Scriptural Reinforcements • Proverbs 10:19 – “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” • Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” • James 3:6 – “The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity…” • Colossians 3:8 – “But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth.” Daily Self-Check List □ Did my words today align with truth? □ Did I speak with grace and purity? □ Did I avoid gossip and coarse joking? □ Did I build others up? □ Was Christ honored by my conversation? Keeping Proverbs 4:24 before our eyes—and hearts—equips us to turn from perverse lips and speak words that reflect the holiness of the One who redeemed us. |
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