How can we guard against deceitful tongues in our daily interactions? The Warning in Psalm 120:3 Psalm 120:3 asks, “What will He do to you, and what will be added to you, O deceitful tongue?” The words are plain, direct, and literal: deceptive speech invites God’s judgment. Because Scripture is trustworthy and precise, that warning still stands today. Why Deceitful Speech Matters to God • Proverbs 12:22: “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are His delight.” • Revelation 21:8 shows that persistent lying belongs to the catalog of unrepentant sins God condemns. • Matthew 12:36 affirms divine accountability: “On the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.” Deceitful tongues offend the holy God who designed language for truth. Guarding the Gate: Practical Steps 1. Keep the heart fortified • Proverbs 4:23: “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” • Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Saturating the heart with Scripture crowds out deceptive impulses. 2. Filter the input • 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Limit exposure to media and friendships that trivialize lying. • Proverbs 20:19: “He who goes about as a gossip reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.” 3. Practice deliberate truth-telling • Ephesians 4:25: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor.” • Psalm 15:2 describes the righteous as one “who speaks truth from the heart.” 4. Speak life-giving words • Ephesians 4:29: “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up.” • Colossians 4:6: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.” Gracious, constructive words leave no room for deceit. 5. Slow the pace of conversation • James 1:19: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” Pausing allows time for prayerful self-check before careless or misleading words slip out. 6. Confess quickly, repent thoroughly • 1 John 1:9 promises cleansing when we admit sin without excuses. Confession dismantles deceit before it hardens into habit. Recognizing Deceit When Others Speak • Compare every claim with Scripture’s clear teaching (Acts 17:11). • Note consistency: truth remains stable; lies shift. • Watch the fruit: “A tree is known by its fruit” (Matthew 12:33). Consistent godly character supports credible speech. • Maintain gentle firmness: Proverbs 26:4-5 teaches discerning when to respond and when to walk away. Relying on the Spirit’s Power • John 16:13 calls the Holy Spirit “the Spirit of truth.” • Galatians 5:16 says, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Daily dependence on Him provides discernment and strength to resist deceit in ourselves and in others. Daily Checklist for Speech • Is it true? (Philippians 4:8) • Is it necessary? (Proverbs 10:19) • Is it kind and edifying? (Ephesians 4:29) • Will it honor Christ? (Colossians 3:17) Living in the Light Psalm 120:3 stands as a sober reminder that God takes every word seriously. By anchoring the heart in Scripture, filtering influences, practicing honest speech, discerning error, and leaning on the Spirit, believers can guard against deceitful tongues in every conversation. |
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