The Untamable Tongue - Pastor Scott Henry
To tame one's tongue is the goal of every believer. Solomon said sin lacks not in the multitude of words, and he who holds his tongue is wise. Our tongues ought to be used for praising GOD, speaking of His goodness, encouraging others, etc. We do not do this though. We gossip, backbite, complain, and lie. We need to put off this type of talking, and put on godly speech. Scripture says we will have to give account for every idle word we utter.
The offices of elder and pastor, in the church, are occupied by men who use their tongues to guide GOD's people. These men are encouraged, in today's text, to be mindful especially of the use of their tongues. Teachers will incur stricter judgment. Out of the abundance of the mouth the heart speaks. The words one uses reveal what's in the speakers heart. Men ought to be careful to mind their speech because they are to mind the condition of their hearts.
Reputaions are tarnished when false speech is propogated. The hearers, in addition to the spakers of lies, are alike guilty. Be careful what you hear - do not entertain gossip! Jesus said that GOD's words are food for our souls (Matt 4:4). Many proport to speak on behalf of GOD yet they feed poison to people; and, when people eat poison they die. Scripture says no deceit was found in the mouth of Jesus.
Guard against the misuse of your tongue. Don't mix the liberty we have in the American legal system of freedom of speech with the right and proper use of your mouth. Just because you can't be imprisoned for what you say doesm't mean it would be proper for you to spew every thought that passes through your sinful brain.
Mighty beasts and large vessels can be controlled by the smallest of their members (bits and rudders), we are likewise. Like a fire, are words spread destruction and are not easily controlled. And so like a fire ought not be set carelessly, nor should we speak without care. There are appropriate circumstances for setting fire to blaze (cooking, heating, clearing land, etc), but one ought to do so with care. Treat your words likewise.
Created over 1 year ago
