The Tongue

by Tiffany S.
from Virtuous Daughters, September 2016~Volume 16, Number 6

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”--Proverbs 18:21 There have been times when I’ve had to apologize for things I have said. How we must seek the Lord to guard our tongue! Proverbs 17:28 comes to mind: “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”
   
​At the same time, Proverbs 18:21 tells us that the tongue has the potential to provide life. Sometimes it does need to be exercised. The following points emphasize words that we are commanded in Scripture to speak. I hope these thoughts encourage all of us as we seek to glorify God with this “little member” that can wield so much power.

​Words of Kindness
Proverbs 31:26 “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” In particular, siblings come to mind. Do we speak words of kindness toward them? Sometimes it is easy to let down our guard with our own brothers and sisters, but shouldn’t they recieve the same love and kindness that we show to others? Do we realize the impact of hurtful or inconsiderate words, especially on our siblings (especially younger siblings)? Today, make a conscious effort to speak words of kindness to your siblings. Not only will it encourage them, but you also will feel more joyful because you are fulfilling a Scriptural example.

Words of Honor
Ephesians 6:2 “Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise” Words of honor should begin with our parents. How do we speak to them? Do we refrain from sarcasm or disrespect? Even loving teasing should be cautious with our parents. When they speak to us, do we answer graciously? If we uphold them in our heart, speaking words of honor to our parents will come much more naturally!

Words of Honesty  
Proverbs 12:19 “The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” Have you ever found yourself “skirting around” the truth? Let’s face it: that is deception, which is temporal. Honesty is very important to the Lord, Who sees and knows all. The secrets we think we can keep hidden, will someday be revealed (Luke 8:17). As we resolve to be truthful at all times in all situations (even the “small” things), we strengthen ourselves to be honest when bigger tests come.
Words of Genuine Love  1 Corinthians 13:1 “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” Genuine love is not self-seeking. In fact, it cares primarily about others. This would rule out gossip, which inflicts damage.
    
Genuine love also rules out flattery. Flattery is usually a manipulative way to acquire something for ourselves. A flatterer will praise someone excessively, in turn receiving adoration from the one they are flattering. Our motive is the key issue here. Are we genuinely seeking to encourage others in the Lord? Or are we building them up in order to receive something for ourselves?
   
It is particularly critical that we do not flatter young men. This might be a sure way to solicit their attention, but it is the total opposite of genuine love...it is very selfish. (Proverbs 22:14...commentators have suggested that the “mouth” here implies flattering speech.) Instead, when interacting with our brothers in Christ, we should continually point them back to the Lord more than to themselves.

Words of Wisdom
Proverbs 31:26 “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” Christ’s words, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh,” challenge me: is my heart full of solid, biblical truth? If so, it will flow out. Is my heart full of Jesus? If so, His love and light will flow out.
  
Sometimes the Lord provides opportunities for counseling or encouraging someone who is going through a difficult time. I have found prayer to be such a blessing during these times, especially if the opportunity came completely unexpected. God promises to give wisdom liberally to us if we simply ask Him. Offering Scripture to others is a guaranteed way to share wisdom with them; it will never return void.

Words of Encouragement  
Proverbs 12:25 “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” Commentators have suggested that this “good word” is one of compassion, encouragement, or favor. Truly, opportunities abound to gladden a heavy heart! My mind drifts specifically to days when I am running errands.... 

Words of Boldness  
Proverbs 28:1 “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” We should never be afraid to use our tongue to stand for truth. We do need to balance that truth with a loving heart and manner (Ephesians 4:15), but when God gives clear opportunities to open our mouths for Him, we should not hesitate to speak. Matthew 10:33 describes the seriousness of denying the Lord in our speech. I appreciate one man’s example, of whom it was said, “He loved people, but he loved truth more.” Essentially, he loved the Lord Jesus even more than he loved other people. He never let his love for people stifle his bold proclamation of biblical truth. It is impossible to measure the impact of a tongue that boldly speaks the truth of God’s Word.
 
I hope these things encourage you, dear sisters in Christ. May each of us commit our tongues to the keeping of our heavenly Father and seek His wisdom and grace to speak for His glory!