Daily Word
Prepared By: Suzy Naber
"The tongue is a small part of the body but it makes great boasts" (James 3:6). All through the Bible the tongue has played its role in the life of man. Since the beginning of time men and women all over the world have been loved, blessed and persecuted by the tongue. Just as a small match can start a huge fire, so can the tongue. The tongue can life you high, then cast you low. The tongue can give you honor or discredit you. The tongue can make you look good, or make you look bad. People may use the tongue to sin, or to speak of the Lord’s righteousness and sing praises to God.
The tongue can be used as a weapon for attack; it can be sharpened like a sword, or bit like a serpent. It can be used for flattery, deceit, lying, strife, cursing, destruction, and craftiness. The tongue can change your future; it can take you to heaven or send you to hell.
James writes in Chapter 3:6-10: "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing."
If God is not in control of our life, then our tongue will be uncontrollable. Animals can be tamed, but "but no man can tame the tongue".
When the tongue speaks evil, it defiles the whole body. The Bible says that "Those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man" (Matthew 15:18) and "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34). Therefore, and in order to make sure that what comes out of our mouth is good we must put thoughts in our hearts that are good. We should ask God to create in us a clean heart filled with God's truth and God's love. We should train ourselves to speak God's word. That's what should come out.
"You can have what you say"! Be therefore careful what you say and always speak positive. Fill your mouth with gracious words of healing, edification, encouragement, comfort, wisdom, love and truth. Ask God to help you find words that speak life to those around you. Don’t speak whatever comes into your mind but train yourself to bridle your tongue and have your mind fixed only on good things, because the words of our mouth will reflect the thoughts of your heart.
"The tongue of the wise promotes health"; and "the tongue of the righteous is a treasure". "The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool shall swallow him up" Ecclesiastes 10-:12.
We must ask God to make us wise in the amount of talking we do. We must not talk too much; "A fool's voice is known by his many words" (Ecclesiastes 5:3). A wise person knows that he should not share every single thought that comes into his head. "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control." (Proverbs 29:11)
When we speak we must speak the truth, "let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor" (Ephesians 4:25). We have to watch what we say, becausewith our mouth we can say things we shouldn't say and end up hurting others and paying the consequences, because we can't take our words back once we speak it. The Word of God says, "We will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word we have spoken"; "For by your words, you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:36-37).
Paul writes in Philippians 2:14 to "do all things without complaining or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure children of God". Complaining always reflects lack of faith in God who is able to answer all of your prayers and to help you in the midst of your troubles.
In conclusion, Paul quotes in his letter to the Philippians 4:8 eight things to think about: "Finally, brothers whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things…. And the God of peace will be with you". Amen.
Scripture to read: " the preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord "(Proverb 16:1). Also read James 3:5-6, Mark 15:13, 14 Luke 23:21 John 19:5,
Prayer: I will prepare my heart by being in your Word every day and obeying your laws. I will prepare my heart by worshipping you and giving thanks in all things. Fill my heart with love, peace and joy so that it will flow from my mouth.
Help me to be a person who speaks wisely, graciously and never foolishly, rudely or insensitively. Give me words that speak of the hope that is within me so I can explain my faith in a persuasive and compelling way. May the words I speak bring others into a fuller knowledge of God?
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