Dear Friend,
We have studied an example from the Old Testament that illustrates how "death and life are in the power of the tongue." We learned that the right use of the tongue will impart life, and, conversely, the wrong use will impart death.
Now we will consider certain specific 'diseases' that affect our tongues. These six 'diseases' that commonly infect our lives through the misuse of our tongues can, in some cases, be fatal if left unchecked.
'Disease' Number One: Excessive talking
This 'disease' is so common that people accept it as normal when it is not.
“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19)
Another version of the same Scripture verse reads:
“When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” (NAS)
In other words, if you say too much, you are bound to say something wrong. There is no alternative.
We are also warned in the Bible not to use too many words toward God Himself. This is a warning that most of us really need to hear. This admonition is found in Ecclesiastes 5:1-2:
“Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” (NIV)
Somebody said to me once, "Remember, it’s just as much a sin to sing a lie as it is to tell a lie." I have heard people sing hymns of total consecration and surrender to God, such as, "All to Jesus, I surrender." Then, when the offering plate comes around, they drop in a quarter. The two actions are not consistent.
If you are not going to give your life to God, do not tell Him that you are surrendering all, because God is going to hold you to account for the words you speak (or sing) in His presence.
Dear Father, I pray that You would help me to let my words be few, and in accordance with the truth of Your Word and the real intentions of my heart and mind. Please teach me to listen carefully rather than to speak too quickly. And when I speak, I pray that my words would be seasoned with Your grace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
