The Bible has much to say about the use of the tongue
in speech. James tells us that the tongue, though very small, has great power for good or
for evil, great power to help or to hurt.
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. James 3:2-10.
It is so very easy to tell a lie, or speak an unkind
word, or spread a rumor, or speak a word of gossip and cause great hurt to another.
Only God can tame our tongues.
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. (Psalm 34:13).
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
. . . A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. (Proverbs 15:2,4)
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. (Proverbs 21:23)
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. (1 Peter 3:10)
A woman known for causing much pain and sorrow to others
through the use of her tongue to spread gossip and lies was told by her minister to get a
bag full of feathers and to scatter them throughout the city.
Having obeyed, she returned to find out what she needed to do next. "Go and collect them all," he told her.
"But that would be utterly impossible!" said the woman.
Even so the lies
and gossip, and unkind words we speak, once out of our mouths, can never be collected or taken back again.Oh be careful little tongue what you say,
Oh be careful little tongue what you say,
For the Father up above is looking down in love,
So be careful little tongue what you say.
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