Tame the Tongue!
Yesterday's proverb talked about boasting, another sin of the tongue. Today, we are considering other evils that come from a misuse of God's gift of speech. Cursing, blaspheming, lying are all evils of the tongue. We are told not to take the Lord's name in vain. Not to swear false oaths, not to smear another's name. This doesn't even touch speak that is offensive. How about vulgar jokes, or name-calling? We are surrounded every day by these evils. I have heard parents swear at their children while telling them to behave. I have watched morning television programs featuring singers who need to be bleeped because of the language contained in this "family" program! It is impossible to go to a movie – unless it's for children under the age of ten – and not have to listen to foul language. Cursing and swearing are so much a part of everyday speech that no one bats an eye. There is so much false information out there, that it's impossible to know truth from lies. Facts are few and far between. Sound bites give us very little news and usually are biased. We have choices as to how we use our tongues. We can praise God, keep our speech clean, tell the truth, and monitor what we read, watch and listen to. In other words, we can follow the commandments and live as God wants us to. We will probably be called out of touch or old fashioned, but who are we trying to please the world or God?
Controlling our speech is one of the most challenging yet impactful ways to improve our lives and relationships. From personal experience, I’ve found that being mindful of what comes out of my mouth not only enhances my interactions but also fosters inner peace. The Bible, particularly James 3:7-10, highlights this struggle by reminding us that though we can tame every animal, the tongue remains difficult to control. This passage warns about the power of words to both bless and curse, urging us to choose our speech carefully. In everyday life, encountering cursing and swearing can feel unavoidable, especially as these forms of speech have become normalized in media and casual conversation. Yet, I’ve realized the importance of consciously avoiding such language, particularly in environments with children or family, to set a positive example. Instead of succumbing to vulgar jokes or name-calling, consciously replacing negative words with positive or encouraging language gradually changes both my mindset and the environment around me. Furthermore, in a world overloaded with information, discerning truth from falsehood is also part of taming the tongue. Being careful not to spread misinformation requires us to verify facts and avoid passing along rumors. This not only keeps our words truthful but builds trustworthiness in our community. Ultimately, the choice lies between pleasing the world with common, careless expressions or honoring God with thoughtful, clean speech. This commitment often means standing out or facing criticism for being 'out of touch,' but it reinforces integrity and spiritual growth. Embracing this approach has helped me cultivate more meaningful relationships and a deeper sense of purpose. For anyone striving to tame their tongue, focusing on the positive uses of speech—praising, encouragement, truth-telling—can transform daily communication into a powerful, life-affirming practice.