The Bible even says that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” They become our self image and also the way others see us. In the same way, our tongues should produce only one kind of fruit: Blessing. I've seen careless words stir up strife Today we throw words and promises into the air without thinking twice and worse than that, curses, insults and hateful language without really understanding the effects they have on others. I've watched silence speak out loud However, its potential for evil is so great God saw fit to imprison it behind a double jailer: the teeth and the lips. But no one talks about how to gain mastery and control over our tongues.
First, you have to know your enemy, second, you have to locate the battlefield, and thirdly, you have to define your battle objectives. Even if it’s just to seem wise! Would those close to you call you a cheerleader?
For by your words you shall be justified, and by you words you shall be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37 NASB). (a) When we are speaking with family members and close friends in the congregation, how can we imitate Jesus? On the other hand, when we say to our children that we’re proud of them and that we believe in them, these are not just nice words, but seeds we are sowing in their hearts. One word can destroy and one word can build up. No one enjoys that sort of person. When we’re under pressure that’s when we need to be most careful about what we’re saying. How can we use this gift to build up, not tear down? Our newspaper carried the tragic story of a teenaged girl who began an online relationship with an admirer …
People of God must guard their mouths not swearing, mocking, gossiping or complaining. The inferno may have been started by mere sparks from passing trains. #2 “…has the power of life and death,” One way that Jesus is revealed is as the Word made flesh. “You let your mouth say anything evil.Your tongue plans deceit.You sit and talk against your own brother. That might include expressing our feelings, communicating our needs, sharing words of encouragement, and giving God praise. This is a special kind of figure of speech called metonymy, in which one word stands in for another, …
Nature shows how ridiculous the human tongue can be.
When Jesus spoke in the synagogue of his hometown of Nazareth, the people were “amazed at the gracious words coming out of his mouth.” (Luke 4:22) Gracious speech appeals to the heart and in no way weakens the power of our tongue. It could also refer to those who respect the power of the tongue. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. . For we all stumble in many ways. 2 The point of James’ illustration is made clear in verse 6. 2013). THE WATCHTOWER—STUDY EDITION December 2015, The Watchtower—Study Edition | December 2015, The 2013 Revision of the New World Translation. NKJV Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Discard this talk like overripe fruit. 1. People used to understand well what we seem to have forgotten today: that there’s great power in our words not just in the impact on others but also upon their own lives.
And that’s the subject of another video…. You can either continue to fight to satisfy your pride or you can give God room to fight on your behalf. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.” (James 3:5-6).
In quietness and trust we find strength (Isaiah 30:15). Submit your heart to God and hand Him the reins to your tongue.
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1:19) We could ask ourselves, ‘Will these words really convey what I want to say? Such talk harms people’s mental and moral well-being. The influence of our tongue may not only be hurting ourselves when we don’t control our tongue it hurts others. Seeds that grow into confidence. . and an MDiv Equiv.
Give an example of Jesus’ use of easily understood speech. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. Joking - Is it a sin? Sharp words cut and slice like a chef’s knife. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7). When people are close to us we can, without really meaning to, bring them down and hurt them when we respond out of stress.
Do not judge - Is that biblical? Learn more. Ridiculing words cloaked in a thin veil of “humor” still hurt. Seeing the effort a crowd made to hear him speak, Jesus was moved with pity and “started to teach them many things.” (Mark 6:34) Even when he was being insulted, Jesus did not resort to harsh speech.—1 Pet.
And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.” (James 3:2).
Before you ridicule someone, remember James 3:6 says destructive words are fueled by hell. “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” (James 1:26).
The tongue is powerful, it's true!
I've seen people eat their words Jesus did not use flowery or ambiguous speech; nor did he employ harsh or hurtful language.
The tongue represents our ability to speak. And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. His audience? “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 15:1 to me in the Bible, and... © You don’t always have to be right or to have the last word.
It is one of the smaller organs of the body. Speaking the right words at the right time may help to open their hearts. Hard day at work? On the other hand, words can be used to encourage, comfort, and build and to give hope to others. Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. 12:9, 10) Do you find that it is often a challenge to come up with “delightful words”? Thanks for the kind words.
Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.” (James 3:1-12), “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” (James 3:1).
If so, you may need to enlarge your vocabulary. Jerusalem, 2009). 9. Samurai warriors devote years of intensive training to gain mastery and control of their weapon. It is no coincidence that in Genesis God creates the world through speech: To be rash is to rush in without thinking In other words, don’t be quick to speak. My tongue, too, can go astray, Unbridled it dispenses deadly poison.
When they are later proved wrong. In James 3:3–5, James uses two commonplace but very vivid illustrations. Why must we be gracious when speaking?
Learn the meanings of unfamiliar expressions. Other ways an unbridled tongue can be damaging are through lies, gossip, profanity, and venting anger. Choose life! He encourages me to exercise my spiritual gifts even though they take time away from domestic responsibilities. Debbie enjoys a good mystery, dark chocolate, and the antics of her two standard poodles. The tongue is a “small part of the body” (James 3:5), yet Proverbs 18:21 says it “has the power of life and death.” This holds true whether we’re speaking of spiritual, physical, or emotional “life and death.” First, we should keep in mind that the word tongue is often a reference to the spoken word.
Instead of descending to their level grace steps up and overcomes it because no one’s perfect, including us.
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” (Prov 21:23), Those who can control their tongues avoid a lot of trouble. Before you can be successful in any battle you have to do a few things first.
Spirit-filledlips make sweet music, instead of noisy gongs. The smallest move of the rudder can affect the lives of all the people on board.
Why is fire an appropriate illustration of the power of the tongue? If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Check the motive behind what you want to say. The field of entertainment incites many to “sharpen their tongue just like a sword” and to “aim their cruel words like arrows.” (Ps. I owe it to my mum - the first person to point out Prov. Salem Media Group.
Our ability to control our tongue shows our level of maturity.
Were you touched by this poem? “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.” (Prov 17:28). Someone who has never blundered in what they say is a perfect person… and I have yet to meet one of those. Theytear down, beat up, and focus on defects and inadequacies. When she used rude, racist words to the African wife of Moses?
To sum up, every soldier knows that with a dangerous weapon there comes great responsibility.
4:4. 6 The words of Proverbs 25:11 illustrate the importance of choosing the right time to speak: “Like apples of gold in silver carvings is a word spoken at the right time.” Golden apples by themselves would be beautiful.