God has been convicting me of Sins of the tongue. I have been committing my tongue to not speak cuss words but the issues of the tongue go far deeper than that and this is what I’ve learned God wants us to consider:
1.Excessive talking
“In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.” Proverbs 10:19
When I read this verse, I get so much conviction! I have been a fool most of my life and perhaps it all started with talking too much!
I know I’ve mentioned this in the past, but the Lord specifically told me to: “Watch your words. I’m talking about the amount you speak.”We should also take caution to not use too many words when talking to God Himself for we will be accountable for them.
“Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. Do not be rash with your mouth, and do not let your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heave and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes through much activity, and a fool’s voice is know by his many words.” Ecclesiastes 5:1-3
Think of the song, “I surrender all.” When we worship, do we sing the songs out of emotions or true devotion to Him. We must take our words seriously. “It’s just as much a sin to sing a lie as it is to tell a lie.”
“But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:8
Don’t let this verse leave you hopeless! Man may not be able to tame the tongue but the Holy Spirit can help rule and reign over it. When we ask God to control what we say and when He applies that slight pressure of conviction, take heed. This is the discipline you’ve been praying for!
- Using Idle or Careless Words
If we say more than we mean, than that overdoing comes from the evil one. If you don’t mean it, don’t say it!
“But I say unto you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it on the day of judgment.” Matthew 12:36
“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No,’ No.’ for whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” Matthew 5:37
- Gossip
The name Satan means ‘Slanderer’. When we use our tongue to slander another, we are implementing the very nature of Satan himself.
“You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:16
Not only should we refrain from speaking gossip but stop ourselves from listening to it. The Holy Spirit convicted me about this subject months ago. I have been gossiped about so much in my lifetime, that I am sensitive to not do this to others.
But, when I want to unwind and relax, I would find myself listening to YouTube Channels that dish the latest celebrity gossip. It was something to keep me in touch with what’s up. I didn’t think much of it until the Lord told me, “Unsubscribe” from all of it. I did and now, months later, I am reading these verses, and I can see how even listening to gossip is destructive.
For example, I am praying for Justin Bieber and Britney Spears. Yet, here I am listening to gossip about them. If I want them to be healed, why on earth would I support the very channels that might be contributing to their downfall? May it never be! God forgive me for partaking in darkness!
“The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body.” Proverbs 18:8
We must be careful when a choice morsel of gossip is put in front of us because it’s poison that will not only destroy us but others as well.
“Heavenly Father,
Forgive me for not honoring the weight of my words.
My words have power!
I’ve been careless, not considering I cannot take them back once I put them out.
Forgive me for my complacency!
Forgive me for entertaining gossip which destroys the hearts and lives of others.
Lord, give me a heavy dose of the Holy Spirit’s conviction.
When I grieve your heart, grieve mine.
Do not let me partner with destruction of myself or others.
Bless me to draw people into your light and truth. Purify my heart, tongue, motive and mind for only then will I truly shine like Christ.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
*A special thanks to Derek Prince Ministries for this outline.
