TEXT: PROVERBS 13:1-17
Key Verse : “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction”
(Proverbs 13:3).
(Proverbs 13:3).
The Bible is replete with passages that talk about the danger of unruly tongues. A few example will suffice.
In the book of Proverbs, believers are warned against different kinds of tongues: a lying tongue (6:17), a mischievous tongue (17:4), a flattering tongue (26:28), a backbiting tongue (25:23), a tongue that sows discord among brethren by talebearing and whispering.
On the other hand, the tongue has the power to give life through proper instruction (1:8,9) , teaching the truth (4:5-7), turning away wrath (15:1,2), reproving evil that men do (9:8), and converting the lost sinner. No wonder Proverbs 18:21 declares: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
A preacher aptly said, “The tongue has great potential for good or for evil; with it we may inspire confidence or create doubt; we may win friends or alienate the best of friends; we may win souls or drive people from the LORD; we may improve marriages or destroy families”. It is no wonder Jesus said, “By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:37).
How can a bad, death-inducing tongue be made wholesome to utter only things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, of virtue, and praise? It is only when the heart is cleansed, for Jesus said, “Evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Why not humbly present your heart to Jesus so that your tongue may be tamed?
Consider the plight of the hapless Amalekite who caused his own untimely death simply because he wanted to curry king David’s favour (2 Samuel 1:6-16). He paid dearly for the misuse of his tongue.
In the book of Proverbs, believers are warned against different kinds of tongues: a lying tongue (6:17), a mischievous tongue (17:4), a flattering tongue (26:28), a backbiting tongue (25:23), a tongue that sows discord among brethren by talebearing and whispering.
On the other hand, the tongue has the power to give life through proper instruction (1:8,9) , teaching the truth (4:5-7), turning away wrath (15:1,2), reproving evil that men do (9:8), and converting the lost sinner. No wonder Proverbs 18:21 declares: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
A preacher aptly said, “The tongue has great potential for good or for evil; with it we may inspire confidence or create doubt; we may win friends or alienate the best of friends; we may win souls or drive people from the LORD; we may improve marriages or destroy families”. It is no wonder Jesus said, “By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:37).
How can a bad, death-inducing tongue be made wholesome to utter only things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, of virtue, and praise? It is only when the heart is cleansed, for Jesus said, “Evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Why not humbly present your heart to Jesus so that your tongue may be tamed?
Consider the plight of the hapless Amalekite who caused his own untimely death simply because he wanted to curry king David’s favour (2 Samuel 1:6-16). He paid dearly for the misuse of his tongue.
Thought for the Day : The heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.
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