How can we develop a "tongue of the learned" in our daily lives? Our Foundation: Isaiah 50:4 “The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of those who are instructed, to know how to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.” Key Observations • The tongue that blesses is a gift from God. • Words that refresh the weary flow from prior listening. • Daily, intentional awakening to God’s voice cultivates this tongue. Morning by Morning: Begin with God • Set a non-negotiable time each day to meet the Lord in His Word. • Read slowly, aloud if possible, letting the text shape your first thoughts. • Ask the Spirit to “awaken your ear” to any command, promise, or warning (John 14:26). • Journaling: write one truth to meditate on and one person to encourage that day. Fill the Heart with Truth Luke 6:45 teaches that “out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Stock your heart deliberately: • Steady Bible reading plan (2 Timothy 2:15). • Memorize key verses: start with Proverbs 18:21; Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 4:29. • Sing Scripture-rich hymns and psalms; melody helps long-term recall. Cultivate Humble Listening “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” (James 1:19) Practical steps: • Maintain eye contact and silence your phone when others talk. • Paraphrase what you just heard before responding. • Pray internally, “Lord, give me words that build up, not tear down.” Choose Words that Heal Ephesians 4:29 sets the standard. Aim for words that are: • Timely — ask, “Is this the right moment?” • True — verify before you speak (Proverbs 12:19). • Tender — a soft answer turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1). • Targeted — “according to the need of the moment,” not generic clichés. • Trust-building — avoid gossip and exaggeration (Proverbs 16:28). Practice Spiritual Discernment “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders… let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.” (Colossians 4:5-6) • Study people as well as passages; know their struggles. • Ask the Lord for a “fitly spoken word” (Proverbs 25:11) before entering conversations. • Keep eternal realities in view (1 Peter 3:15) so your counsel has gospel weight. Rely on the Spirit’s Power • Acts 4:31 shows believers speaking boldly after being “filled with the Holy Spirit.” • Confess sin quickly; a clean vessel carries fresher water (Psalm 51:12-15). • Expect divine help; Scripture is accurate and God still equips His servants. Daily Checklist for a Learned Tongue □ Met with God in Scripture and prayer □ Memorized or reviewed at least one verse □ Listened attentively to someone’s story □ Spoke an uplifting, Scripture-shaped word □ Thanked the Spirit for guidance and asked for more Final Encouragement As you listen to God first and people second, He will shape your speech so that, like the Servant in Isaiah 50:4, you “know how to sustain the weary with a word.” |
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