How can we guard our speech to honor God, as taught in Ezekiel 35:13? The Heart Behind Our Words “ ‘You boasted against Me with your mouth and multiplied your words against Me. I heard it Myself.’ ” (Ezekiel 35:13) • God takes every word personally; speech is never “just talk.” • Boasting and multiplying words against Him reveal a deeper heart problem (Luke 6:45). • Because He hears each sentence, honoring Him begins with revering His listening ear (Matthew 12:36). Why Speech Matters • Words display allegiance—either exalting God or self (James 3:9–10). • Unguarded speech breaks fellowship, invites judgment, and fuels sin (Proverbs 10:19). • Ezekiel’s indictment of Edom shows that verbal rebellion is counted as real rebellion; there is no “harmless” profanity toward heaven. Practical Ways to Guard Our Tongues 1. Examine the source – Daily invite the Spirit to search motives (Psalm 139:23-24). – Remember: corrupt speech traces back to an unchecked heart (Matthew 15:18). 2. Pause before speaking – “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3). – Build a habit of brief silence, letting impulsive reactions settle. 3. Measure words by Scripture – Ask: Does this line up with what is “true, honorable, just, pure” (Philippians 4:8)? – Compare opinions to God’s revealed truth before sharing them. 4. Replace boasting with gratitude – Boasting elevates self; thanksgiving elevates God (Psalm 34:1-2). – Practically, begin conversations with praise reports rather than self-promotion. 5. Speak to build up, not tear down – “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up” (Ephesians 4:29). – Offer correction in love, seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6). 6. Limit idle chatter – Fewer words reduce opportunities to sin (Proverbs 17:27-28). – Schedule intentional times of quiet—commutes, walks, or morning routines. Living Out a Sanctified Vocabulary • Memorize verses that elevate speech (Psalm 19:14; James 1:19). • Surround yourself with believers who model godly conversation (Proverbs 13:20). • Keep short accounts—confess verbal sins quickly, receive cleansing, and restore fellowship (1 John 1:9). The Outcome God Desires • A mouth aligned with His character points others to Christ (1 Peter 3:15-16). • Honoring Him with speech brings personal peace and communal unity (Psalm 133:1). • Ultimately, guarded words testify that He is Lord over the heart, tongue, and life. |
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