Bite your Tongue

What an incredibly destructive weapon our tongue can be. There are numerous sins that can be accomplished with this one organ alone, and, so, there are many warnings and injunctions to us about its use. Jesus' words in Matthew about murder seem at first glance to have little relevance to most of us. But he warns that even to speak unkindly to or about others puts us in jeopardy. Obviously none of us are innocent under this "new" interpretation of the "rules." People who would never pull a trigger, often think nothing of putting their tongue on "rapid fire." And sadly, we are most often wounded by "friendly fire!" These verbal attacks can be just as injurious, if not as obvious, as a physical one - the wounds being internal. Really, it is a lose-lose situation, for the speaker and the one spoken to, or spoken about, are both hurt. It only takes a small serpent shape (s) to twist and forge word into sword. Dangerous weapons are swords - and words. Recently, I heard a prayer that spoke to this with both humor and insight: "Lord, please put your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth."

Matthew 5.21 - Under the laws of Moses the rule was, 'If you kill, you must die.' But I have added to that rule and tell you that if you are only angry, you are in danger of judgment.

2 Timothy 2.16-17 - Steer clear of foolish discussions which lead people into the sin of anger with each other. Things will be said that will burn and hurt for a long time to come.

Proverbs 12.18 - Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal.

Psalm 64. 3-4 - Sharpening their tongues like swords, Shooting bitter words like arrows, Shooting them at the innocent from cover, Shooting suddenly, without warning.

James 3.5-7 - The tongue is only a small part of the body. Among all the parts of the body the tongue is a whole wicked world in itself. Wild animals and birds, reptiles and fish can all be tamed by man, and often are; but nobody can tame the tongue - it is a pest that will not keep still, full of deadly poison.

Romans 3.13 - Their tongues are loaded with lies. Everything they say has the sting and poison of deadly snakes.

Matthew 12.35 - A good man's speech reveals the treasures within him. An evil-hearted man is filled with venom, and his speech reveals it.

Psalms 34.13 - Malice must be banished from your tongue.

Proverbs 10.14,19 - A wise man holds his tongue. Only a fool blurts out everything he knows; that only leads to trouble and sorrow. The more you talk the more likely you are to sin. If you are wise you will keep quiet.

James 1.26 - Nobody must imagine that he is religious while he still goes on deceiving himself and not keeping control over his tongue.

1 Peter 3.10 - For he that will love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.

Ephesians 4.29 - Don't use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.

Proverbs 4.15 - The tongue that soothes is a tree of life; the barbed tongue, a breaker of hearts.

Psalm 141.3 - Help me, Lord, to keep my mouth shut and my lips sealed.