How can we guard our speech to honor God daily? Setting the Stage with Psalm 139:20 “ They speak of You with evil intent; Your adversaries misuse Your name.” Recognize the Power of Words • God hears every syllable; speech is never throw-away. • Misusing His name or speaking with “evil intent” aligns us with His adversaries, not His family (Matthew 12:36). • Our mouths reveal our hearts (Luke 6:45); guarding speech is guarding inner life. Guardrails for God-Honoring Speech • Filter words through Ephesians 4:29—only what “is good for building up, that it may give grace.” • Keep a reign on the tongue or our religion is “worthless” (James 1:26). • Remember Proverbs 13:3: “He who guards his mouth protects his life.” • Refuse casual misuse of God’s name; honor it as holy (Exodus 20:7). Daily Practices That Keep the Tongue in Check • Begin each morning with Psalm 19:14 on your lips—ask that every word be acceptable to Him. • Pause before speaking: quickly pray, “Is this true, loving, and necessary?” • Replace complaining with thanksgiving (Philippians 2:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Store Scripture in the heart; it supplies better words when emotions run high (Psalm 119:11). • Invite accountability: trusted believers can gently point out careless speech (Proverbs 27:6). • Practice silence when unsure—Proverbs 17:28 notes even the quiet are considered wise. Encouragement to Speak Life • Let “your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). • Words carry life or death (Proverbs 18:21); choose life-giving ones that draw others to Christ. • As we yield our tongues to the Spirit each day, He turns them from harm to healing, from empty talk to truth that honors our King. |
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