Which other scriptures emphasize the importance of guarding one's tongue? Setting the Stage—Proverbs 11:13 “A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a matter concealed.” The verse spotlights two paths: careless speech that wounds trust, and guarded lips that protect relationships. Scripture consistently reinforces that second path. Echoes in Proverbs • Proverbs 10:19 — “When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” • Proverbs 12:18 — “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” • Proverbs 13:3 — “He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites ruin.” • Proverbs 15:1 — “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” • Proverbs 15:4 — “A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” • Proverbs 17:9 — “Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.” • Proverbs 18:21 — “Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” • Proverbs 21:23 — “He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.” • Proverbs 26:20 — “Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a quarrel dies down.” Wisdom of the Psalms • Psalm 34:13 — “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.” • Psalm 39:1 — “I said, ‘I will watch my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are in my presence.’” • Psalm 141:3 — “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.” Jesus on Our Words • Matthew 12:36–37 — “I tell you that for every careless word men speak, they will give an account on the day of judgment. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” • Luke 6:45 — “A good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” New-Covenant Exhortations • Ephesians 4:29 — “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.” • Colossians 3:8 — “But now you must put aside all such things: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth.” • James 1:26 — “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.” • James 3:2–10 — “…the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts… it is a fire… With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men… My brothers, this should not be!” • 1 Peter 3:10 — “For, ‘Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.’” Living It Out • Pause before speaking; weigh words against Proverbs 15:1. • Choose edifying speech (Ephesians 4:29) over idle chatter (Matthew 12:36). • Conceal confidences (Proverbs 11:13) and cover offenses (Proverbs 17:9). • Invite the Lord to “set a guard” over your lips daily (Psalm 141:3). |
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