Some Uses of the Tongue “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.” ~ Proverbs 12:18 On click: The tongue is known to do good and bad. The Bible has much to say about it. However, Not RIGHT! (James 3:9-10), “With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.”

Ungodly Uses of the Tongue (Young Widows) “And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. ~ 1 Timothy 5:13 Gossip, Busybody, Talebearer Inappropriately interested in and meddling in affairs that are of no concern to you (private lives of others)

Ungodly Uses of the Tongue Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. ~ Colossians 3:9-10 Lying Concealing a defect, or talking up a feature for a sale… Parent telling child, “Say I am not home.” Exaggerating when telling a story, to make yourself look good. Circulating rumors as undoubted truth (Facebook). Making promises you have no or little intent upon fulfilling.

Ungodly Uses of the Tongue Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. ~ Ephesians 4:29 Corrupt communications: (bad, decayed, rotten) Any words that are obscene, offensive, intended to corrupt others Would include: Profanity (cursing) “But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth” (Colossians 3:8). Lewdness – Sexual speech and innuendo Filthy jokes Scoffing (about God and Religion, corrupts others)

Ungodly Uses of the Tongue Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. ~ Ephesians 4:31 Evil Speaking, Bitterness Hurtful speech often comes from a bitter spirit. Think about an unpleasant, acrid or poisonous taste. Having such an outlook and response to others.

Godly Uses of the Tongue That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ~ Romans 10:9-10 Confession of the Christ Such confession helps to secure initial salvation… Also, must continue to confess our faith in Christ, (Matthew 10:32-33), “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.”

Godly Uses of the Tongue And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:13-14 Speak from our Faith We acknowledge the resurrection, and the hope of life, we are to share the gospel with others! (Just like Paul) (Romans 1:15-16), “So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

Godly Uses of the Tongue But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. ~ 1 Peter 3:14-15 Defend Our Conviction Do not be afraid of those who will persecute you for speaking up in His name! Just like the apostles in Jerusalem in the first century (after commanded not to teach in his name). (Acts 5:41-42),  ”So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Godly Uses of the Tongue Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. ~ Colossians 4:5-6 ALWAYS, Speech with Grace! Wisdom and discernment in the words you use. Remembering that our purpose is to save souls! Making a distinction! (Jude 22-23), “And on some have compassion, making a distinction; 23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.”

The Tongue Can’t be tamed, but must be controlled! (James 3:1-8), “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:1-8

“Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.” (Psalm 51:2-3)