In what ways can we avoid being "perverse in speech"? The Verse at a Glance “Put away deception from your mouth; keep your lips from perverse speech.” (Proverbs 4:24) What Is Perverse Speech? • Anything twisted, corrupt, or crooked that departs from truth and purity • Includes crude joking, deceit, flattery meant to manipulate, profanity, slander, gossip, and double-meaning innuendo • Springs from a heart not fully submitted to God (Matthew 12:34) Why Guard Our Words? • Words reveal the condition of the heart (Luke 6:45) • Perverse speech grieves the Holy Spirit and ruins testimony (Ephesians 4:29-30) • God will bring every careless word into judgment (Matthew 12:36) • Life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21) Practical Steps to Avoid Perverse Speech 1. Fill the Heart with Scripture – Regular reading and memorization saturate thoughts with truth, crowding out corrupt talk (Psalm 119:11). 2. Pray Before You Speak – “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3) 3. Choose Edifying Vocabulary – Replace crude or cutting remarks with words that build up (Ephesians 4:29). 4. Practice the Pause – Slow to speak, quick to listen (James 1:19); a brief pause often prevents regrettable words. 5. Surround Yourself with God-Honoring Voices – Companions influence speech patterns (1 Corinthians 15:33); seek fellowship that models purity. 6. Confess and Repent Immediately – At the first slip, admit it to God, seek forgiveness, and correct it with those affected (1 John 1:9). 7. Cultivate Gratitude and Praise – A thankful heart naturally overflows with wholesome speech (Colossians 3:16-17). 8. Guard Input Media – Music, shows, and social feeds shape vocabulary and humor; filter them through Philippians 4:8. Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 10:19 — “Where words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” • Proverbs 15:4 — “A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” • Colossians 4:6 — “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” • 1 Peter 3:10 — “Whoever desires to love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.” • Psalm 19:14 — “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” A Daily Commitment Every day offers countless opportunities to speak life or unleash harm. By treasuring God’s Word, leaning on His Spirit, and deliberately choosing purity over perversity, our lips can reflect the holiness of the One we follow and bless everyone who hears us. |
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