The tongue can be a blessing or a curse to us, as well as to others who hear us. Its power for good, or destruction, cannot be measured. James wrote, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” (James 1:19) He also pointed out that an unbridled tongue can make one’s religion useless. (James 1:26) A father once instructed his son, “In talking, use as much caution and common sense as a carpenter; measure twice and saw once.”
Someone has catalogued gossip into three types:
-
Vest-button type – Always popping off.
-
Vacuum cleaner type – Always picking up dirt.
-
Liniment type – Always rubbing it in.
Doctors often look at a person’s tongue to determine his physical condition. With much less training, we can listen to one’s tongue to know his spiritual condition. At least, in both cases, the tongue is an indicator.
Jesus warned, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks…. every idle word men may speak, they will give account in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matt. 12:34-37) Is the proper use of the tongue serious? Certainly!
We have heard the expression, “Talk is cheap.” Of course, this is true when it is not followed with action. However, talk can also be expensive. Loose, or careless, talk can cost one his reputation, his friends, and sometimes his money. It can be expensive if you don’t know what you are talking about. Truth is important in every realm. Some have gone to prison because the truth was not told in court. Some have become sick, and even died, because of wrong advice. Preachers have lost their jobs because of what they have said. Some could lose their souls because they believed them. Yes, talk also can be expensive.
Our speech must be carefully guarded. “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man.” (Col. 4:6) Caution must be exercised, not only in knowing what to say, but also in knowing how to say it. Many have become offended with the truth and may never accept it because it was stated in a harsh, unkind way. Solomon wrote, “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” (Prov. 10:19)
Self-control is one of the qualities of Christian living. And it should be used in what we say to, or about, others. When we are cautious about our speech, our tongues will be a blessing to us, and to those who hear us.
0 Comments