How can we ensure our tongues are "not like their bows" in Jeremiah 9:3? Understanding the Image: “Tongues Like Bows” Jeremiah 9:3: “They bend their tongues like bows; lies and not truth prevail in the land; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not know Me,” declares the LORD. • A bow is a weapon designed to launch arrows with speed and precision. • Jeremiah pictures speech weaponized for deception, wounding hearts and spreading evil. • The root problem is a people who “do not know” the LORD, so their words reflect alienation from Him. Why Guarding the Tongue Matters • Proverbs 18:21—“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” • James 3:5-6—The tongue is “a small member” that “sets on fire the course of one’s life.” • Matthew 12:36-37—Every careless word will be brought into judgment. • Psalm 34:13—“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.” Foundational Heart Work • Filled with Truth: Internalize Scripture daily (Psalm 119:11) so lies cannot take root. • Surrendered to the Spirit: Walk in the Spirit and bear the fruit of self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). • Anchored in Reverence: Recognize that God hears every word (Proverbs 15:3) and will hold speakers accountable. Steps to Keep Our Tongues from Becoming Weapons • Speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:25; 4:15). • Refuse gossip, slander, and exaggeration (Ephesians 4:29; Leviticus 19:16). • Choose gentle answers to defuse conflict (Proverbs 15:1). • Build others up with grace-seasoned words (Colossians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:11). • Confess immediately when sinning with speech (1 John 1:9) and make restitution if needed. Practical Daily Disciplines • Scripture Memorization: Verses on speech (James 1:19; Psalm 141:3) ready on the tongue. • The “Pause” Habit: Count to three, breathe, pray, then respond (James 1:19). • Accountability: Invite a close believer to point out harmful words promptly (Proverbs 27:6). • Praise Substitution: Replace complaint with worship (Psalm 103:1-2). • Written Reflection: End each day noting edifying words spoken and moments needing repentance. Expected Fruit When the Tongue Is under Christ’s Lordship • Deeper intimacy with God as fellowship is unhindered (Psalm 15:1-3). • Peace and trust in relationships, free from suspicion and hurt (Proverbs 12:18). • Credible witness to an unbelieving world that craves honest, gracious speech (Philippians 2:14-16). Closing Thoughts A tongue unbent from deceit becomes an instrument of blessing. Yielded to Scripture and the Spirit, our words can carry truth instead of arrows, life instead of wounds, and glory to the One who redeemed our lips for His praise. |
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