The Tongue
Open Your Bible
Proverbs 10:13-14, Proverbs 10:18-21, Proverbs 10:31-32, Proverbs 13:2-3, Proverbs 15:1-2
BY She Reads Truth
The book of Proverbs is a guide for pursuing godly wisdom in our daily lives. In this four-week study, we will read a selection of topical proverbs covering different aspects of wisdom, from how to interact with our friends, families, and neighbors, to fearing God and keeping His commands. No matter the subject, these proverbs urge us to wrestle with and reflect on our own response to them. To help you better engage with the proverbs in this reading plan, we have provided you with a short introduction and reflection questions for each day.
Our words matter. James 3:9–10 says, “With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness. Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way.” It is likely that few of us spend much time considering how we use our words throughout the course of a day. Use this day to pay careful attention to your words, and see what wisdom these proverbs have for you.
Reflection Questions:
Why do our words carry so much weight? What is it about the way God made us that gives power to words?
Proverbs 18:21 says our words can give life and take life. They can bring light or add darkness. How have you given light and life with your words? How have you spoken death and darkness?
Why do you think “a gentle answer turns away anger” (Proverbs 15:1)? How can you provide gentle answers to people in your life?
52 thoughts on "The Tongue"
-
We must be careful what we say to people and about people. Words have peer to bring life or it can bring the power of death to a person as it isn’t edifying a person but hurting them with words of darkness. Words are to edify encourage love and uplift not destroy so we must speak life to God’s people, our children and everyone. I know to well how powerful the tongue can be as it is a muscle we can’t always tame unless the Holy Spirit helps us with self-control and the renewal of the mind. This is a great reminder to watch what I say to my children, husband, family and people period as I am accountable for what I say as I know better. Thank you Lord for this reminder to speak life
-
Your words have consequences. They are so easy to speak, but so hard to explain and rewind. Everyday, we make a promise to God to walk more like him. We should portray a Christian in the way we talk. That is SO hard to focus on. Let me say it again. It is SO hard to focus on letting positive words come out of your mouth. It is so easy to get wrapped up in negative talk and even listen to those who speak negative things. It’s hard for me to turn the radio when a song comes on and is cursing because if it has a good beat, then who cares, right? WRONG. God cares and we should care too. It doesn’t help our path. We cannot speak in a negative light, and listen to those who speak in a negative tone and expect to stay on the right path. It’s impossible. We start straying and have to pull ourselves back. Pay attention to your words and what you listen to.
-
Our words carry weight with people and with God. We should always be truthful yet kind and respectful towards people. Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Probably carried the most weight with me- off the top of my head I think of fighting with my husband. We don’t get into big fights very often but when we do, we always go for what will hurt the other the worst. Why do we do that?? Why do I want to hurt my husband?? My husband is one of my greatest blessings in life. Those hurtful words build anger and resentment that has no part in my life. I pray that God helps me to answer softly in times when I want to answer harshly.
-
Be careful what you say life and death lies in your tongue.
-
Our words have the a purpose whether we want them to or not — to encourage, build up, to hurt and to heal, etc. God gives us words to relate to one another. To bring others into alignment with Jesus and to proclaim His
Gospel. If we choose to use our words to hurt instead, it does the opposite of what is desired and asked of us. I have fallen into gossip, I have vented frustrations behind people’s backs without saying anything to them first. Sarcasm is rampant within my cohort at work and even between my husband and I. A gentle answer can be a surprise, especially to people condemning or using their words to hurt you. It helps you to be in control of your emotions. To keep it calm. -
Amen…powerful
-
(1) Our words create echoes and vibrations sounds that can leave an impression and replay over and over. God gives us a spirit and emotion that gives power to words, our soul.
(2) I have said very mean things out of anger and felt guilty after saying them. I have done more harm than good with my tongue. Only the spirit can control the tongue. I have spoken death and darkness by saying hurtful things to others. Also by talking about my problems.
(3) Being gentle with someone calms them down and helps them realize their anger is misplaced. I can provide gentle answers by staying calm in stressful situations, thinking before I speak or just keeping quiet. Lol -
I feel the exact same way. I really struggle with fruitful speech when I’m at work, but then do okay when I’m away from that culture. It’s also hard because I work with a lot of non believers.
Post Comments (52)