Controlling the Tongue Part One: Destructive Speech
The tongue is the main source of communication. What comes out of our mouth either promotes life or promotes strife. The Prophet Isaiah said, “The Lord has given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season.” Isaiah 50:4 . In other words, the Lord has equipped us with the wisdom to know how, when, and why to speak. He has given us his Word, the Bible, which we need to study and apply daily in order to conquer destructive speech.
What is destructive speech? It is words that are negative, harmful, and damaging. James, the brother of Jesus Christ, went into great detail on just how uncontrollable and damaging the tongue can be. He said:
Indeed, we put bits in horse’s mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.” James 3:3-6 (NKJV ).
Large objects can be controlled by tiny devices. On the other hand, the tongue is tiny, but left uncontrolled, has an incredibly destructive force. The tongue cannot be controlled by anything earthly. It can ONLY be controlled by the power of the Holy Spirit.
In the Bible class “Godly Thinking Equals Victory in Jesus”, we talked about how actions start as thoughts in the mind. Harmful thoughts breed destructive tongues. Jesus said” but those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart and they defile a man.” Matthew 15:18. This is a powerful and true statement. What you think and say is who you are. What is inside of a person’s heart will come out of their mouth. Think about that the next time you speak to someone.
The opposite of destructive speech is words that are productive, beneficial, edifying, favorable, and positive. Does this describe your words? Paul said it best, “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 (NKJV). When we succumb to destructive speech and negative words, we engaging in harmful, sinful behavior.
Choosing to speak productive words is a daily decision that takes hard work, but the Lord is able to help us with anything if we just ask. Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7. If we fervently seek and talk to the Lord, he will hear us and provide answers, solutions, and guidance at the right time. Seeking the Lord is not something we should do only when there are problems in our life. The Lord he is always there to lead us down the right path if we diligently seek him. Choose to let go of destructive speech and choose Jesus Today!
I choose peace not strive;
I choose to live a Godly life;
I choose to let evil words go;
I choose to honor Jesus and Let evil go!
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God bless!