Our words are far more powerful than we think. One word can break a relationship, ruin a reputation or launch a rebellion. As Christians, shouldn’t we take time to examine our words?
When thinking of sin, we think of lying, greed or lust. Perhaps the “biggies,” such as murder or adultery, come to mind. But how often do we think of loose speech as sin?
James says: “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. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water” (James 3:9-12).
The legacy of an unbridled tongue
Jesus is the Word. If the perfect Word resides in our hearts, can anything unwholesome come out of our mouths?
Our testimony is a result not only of our actions but the words we speak. In Ephesians 5:4, Paul says we should never speak with “obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” Instead, we should follow his instructions to Timothy and set “an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).
Jesus told the Pharisees we aren’t made unclean by the things we eat or touch, but by the words that come out of our mouths (Matthew 15:11). If our hearts are truly transformed, we couldn’t possibly speak harshly or unkindly. Instead, only his love should come out of us because we are filled with his goodness.
But what’s the real result of so many of our words? No matter how hard we try, our tongue gets the better of us, and we leave a wake of destruction behind us. Words alone have the power to make people feel unloved and less valuable. Words have more power to bring people to their knees than any other weapon.
The tongue was created by God to declare his praises. Yet it can become a lethal weapon if we aren’t careful.
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A tongue harnessed for God
We were created, not for our own pleasure, but for God’s glory. Our attitudes, actions and words should reflect his presence in our lives. Psalm 96:3 says it well: “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” Our words should build faith, not tear it down. They should declare God’s love, not hinder it.
When the world curses; we should bless. When the world judges; we should let God be the one true judge. When the world tears people down; we should build them up. If we don’t stand in stark contrast to the world, we blend in too well. Our testimony disappears. And God isn’t glorified.
In order to do that, we must stand out from the world. In Romans 12:2, Paul says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” What does a transformed mind look like? “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” (Philippians 4:8).
Our thoughts always find expression in our speech. So speech that honors God begins with the transformation of our hearts and minds.
Unfortunately, what goes in often is what comes out. To be in this world is to be constantly exposed to words and influences that dishonor God. If we embrace the lifestyle and attitudes of the world, we essentially will reject God’s life-changing power in our lives.
Jesus says we should be salt and light. “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). One way we do that is by allowing our words to set up apart—essentially to brand us as children of God.
James says in verse 3 that if we can control our tongue, we can keep our whole body in check as well. Quite simply, we only can control our tongue by becoming completely transformed. Of course, that’s also the wisest way to live our lives.
Food for thought
Unwholesome talk is a bad habit. Based on the verses below, what should our speech look like?
• “The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just” (Psalm 37:30).
• “Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness” (Psalm 51:14).
• “My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long, for those who wanted to harm me have been put to shame and confusion” (Psalm 71:24).
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