TAMING THE TONGUE FOR GOD’S GLORY!

Proverbs 18:21 (KJV): “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the transformative journey of personal reformation through mastering speech, highlighting how biblical principles and inspired counsel reveal the tongue’s role in reflecting inner character and fostering spiritual growth. By examining scriptural admonitions and practical guidance, it encourages a Christ-centered approach to words that edify, emphasizing grace’s power to overcome natural inclinations toward harmful speech.

SOUL SEARCH STARTS!

Today, we will delve into the profound topic of personal reformation, particularly concerning the use of our tongues, we embark on a journey of introspection and spiritual growth. This exploration, guided by the inspired words of the Bible and Ellen G. White, is designed to illuminate the path to Christlike character, emphasizing the transformative power of grace in overcoming our natural propensities. We’ll examine how controlling our speech is not merely a social grace, but a crucial aspect of our spiritual walk, reflecting the very essence of our relationship with God. We will explore the spectrum of human emotion, using metaphors and similes to connect with the reader, and address the questions posed, one by one, with relevant quotes and commentary. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. Our words shape our character and relationships, as seen in Proverbs 21:23 (KJV): “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” And in Psalm 141:3 (KJV): “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” Sr. White highlights this when she writes, “The tongue is an unruly member, but it should not be so. It should be converted; for the talent of speech is a very precious talent” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 173, 1901). “By constant watchfulness and earnest discipline the Christian youth may keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile” (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 238, 1913). Therefore, embracing this path leads us to deeper harmony with divine principles, but how is a personal reformation revealed in the life of God’s children?

PERSONAL REFORMATION: MIRROR MAGIC!

True reformation, like a tree bearing good fruit, manifests itself outwardly. It’s not a cloak we put on and take off, but an inward transformation that permeates every aspect of our being. As Ephesians 4:29 (KJV) states, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” This verse is a powerful assertion that our speech should be a source of blessing, building up others and reflecting the grace within us. Sr. White adds, “The greatest triumph given us by the religion of Christ is control of ourselves. Our natural propensities must be controlled, or we can never overcome as Christ overcame” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 235, 1881). This underscores the struggle and the victory inherent in self-control, a key element of reformation. “The religion of Christ means more than the pardon of sin. It means an entire transformation of the life” (The Desire of Ages, p. 290, 1898). This transformation includes our speech. Furthermore, “Pure, healthful words will be spoken by those who are living Christians” (Selected Messages, Book 3, p. 337, 1980). Just as a sculptor shapes a rough stone into a masterpiece, so God, through His grace, molds our character, refining our speech and making it a tool for His glory. Speech builds up the community when guided by grace, as Proverbs 15:4 (KJV) affirms: “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” Colossians 4:6 (KJV) adds: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Sr. White stresses, “The power of speech is a talent that should be carefully cultivated” (Selected Messages Book 3, p. 339, 1980). “We should glorify God with our mouth, speaking in honor of the truth and of His unbounded mercy” (Early Writings, p. 114, 1882). Therefore, a reformed life is marked by words that edify, encourage, and reflect the love of Christ, but what admonition in this respect does Christ give to us?

CHRIST’S ADMONITION: WORD WITNESSES!

Our Savior’s words in Matthew 12:36-37 (KJV) resonate with solemnity: “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” This passage isn’t just a gentle suggestion; it’s a stark reminder of the weight our words carry. They are not mere wisps of air, but powerful forces that can build up or tear down, bless or curse. Like a stone thrown into a still pond, our words create ripples that extend far beyond the moment they are uttered. Christ’s admonition serves as a mirror, reflecting the state of our hearts. If our hearts are filled with love and grace, our words will naturally flow in that direction. Conversely, if our hearts are harboring bitterness or malice, our speech will betray those hidden emotions. “The words are the fruit of the heart” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 125, 1896). And, “Every word is a seed that will bear fruit after its kind” (Ibid.). We must, therefore, be ever vigilant, guarding our tongues and ensuring that our words align with the principles of heaven. Words reveal inner realities, supported by Proverbs 12:18 (KJV): “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.” And 1 Peter 3:10 (KJV): “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.” Sr. White explains, “With the tongue we convince and persuade; with it we offer prayer and praise to God; and with it we convey rich thoughts of mercy and love” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 316, 1923). “‘By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned,’ Christ declared” (The Voice in Speech and Song, p. 19, 1988). This calls us to mindful speech that honors God, but who did James say is a perfect man?

PERFECT MAN: BRIDLE BATTLE!

James 3:1-2 (KJV) provides a profound answer: “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” James’s definition of perfection isn’t about flawless performance, but about mastery over one’s tongue. This is a high calling, a goal towards which we must constantly strive. The tongue, though small, is like a rudder that steers the entire ship. If we can control our tongue, we can, by God’s grace, gain control over other aspects of our lives. This verse isn’t meant to discourage us, but to inspire us to greater effort, reminding us that victory over the tongue is possible through Christ. “The heart must be filled with the truth, the soul must be imbued with the principles of righteousness, and then the words will be pure, truthful, and uplifting” (Selected Messages, Book 3, p. 338, 1980). “Self-control in speech is a great lesson to learn” (Ibid., p. 339, 1980). Like a skilled horseman training a spirited steed, we must learn to rein in our tongues, directing them to speak words of truth, kindness, and love. Mastery over speech elevates the whole self, as Proverbs 17:27 (KJV) shows: “He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.” Proverbs 10:19 (KJV) reinforces: “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” Sr. White notes, “The tongue is an unruly member, and it is exceedingly difficult to control it” (Selected Messages Book 3, p. 338, 1980). “Have you learned so to control the tongue that it shall ever obey the dictates of an enlightened conscience and holy affections? Is your conversation seasoned with grace?” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 175, 1889). Such control marks true maturity in faith, but how does James describe the tongue, and whereby is our body defiled?

FIRE AND INIQUITY: TONGUE TORCH!

James 3:5-6 (KJV) paints a vivid picture: “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, which defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature, and it is set on fire of hell.” The tongue, like a small spark, can ignite a raging inferno, causing immense damage. It can defile the whole body, poisoning our relationships and hindering our spiritual growth. Mark 7:21-23 (KJV) further emphasizes this point: “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” These passages aren’t just poetic imagery; they are stark realities. Our words can be weapons, inflicting deep wounds that may never fully heal. Like a venomous serpent, the uncontrolled tongue can inject poison into the hearts and minds of others. “The tongue is an unruly member, and it is exceedingly difficult to control it” (Selected Messages, Book 3, p. 338, 1980). “Evil speaking is one of the sins most common and most easily indulged” (Ibid., p. 340, 1980). We must, therefore, be vigilant, lest our tongues become instruments of destruction rather than instruments of grace. Uncontrolled speech spreads harm, echoed in Proverbs 15:1 (KJV): “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” And Psalm 34:13 (KJV): “Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.” Sr. White warns, “Never forfeit your self-respect by hasty, thoughtless words. See that your words are pure, your conversation holy” (Child Guidance, p. 219, 1954). “Let love and tenderness, patience and self-control, be at all times the law of your speech” (Child Guidance, p. 219, 1954). Vigilance guards against such defilement, but what picture does the apostle use to show that it is necessary to govern the tongue?

GOVERNING TONGUE: CONTROL CANVAS!

James 3:3-4 (KJV) offers a compelling analogy: “Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm whithersoever the governor listeth.” Just as a bit controls a powerful horse and a helm guides a massive ship, so our will, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can control our tongues. These images illustrate the power of intentional control. It’s not about suppressing our emotions, but about channeling them in a way that honors God. Like a skilled captain navigating treacherous waters, we must steer our tongues away from harmful speech and towards words of life and blessing. “The power of speech is a talent that should be carefully cultivated” (Selected Messages, Book 3, p. 339, 1980). “We should guard our words; for they have a powerful influence for good or for evil” (Ibid.). Intentional governance transforms speech, as Proverbs 21:23 (KJV) illustrates: “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” Ephesians 4:31-32 (KJV) adds: “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Sr. White advises, “Common, cheap expressions should be replaced by sound and pure words, and we should be careful not to use slang phrases or cheap expressions” (Christian Education, p. 123, 1893). “The tongue needs to be educated, that it may speak right words, that it may talk of heaven and heavenly things” (Letters to Young Lovers, p. 58, 1983). This discipline yields blessed outcomes, but is victory over the sin of the tongue possible?

VICTORY OVER TONGUE: TRIUMPH TIME!

Absolutely! Genesis 4:7 (KJV) declares, “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.” This verse reveals that we have a choice. We can choose to succumb to the temptations of harmful speech, or we can choose to exercise dominion over our tongues. Philippians 4:13 (KJV) reinforces this hope: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” With Christ, even the most unruly tongue can be tamed. Sr. White further encourages us, “If the heart is right, your words, your dress, your acts will all be right. True godliness is lacking. I would not dishonor my Master so much as to admit that a careless, trifling, prayerless person is a Christian. No; a Christian has victory over his besetments, over his passions. There is a remedy for the sin-sick soul. That remedy is in Jesus, precious Saviour! His grace is sufficient for the weakest; and the strongest must also have His grace or perish.” Victory empowers us through divine strength, as James 1:26 (KJV) states: “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.” Titus 2:11-12 (KJV) affirms: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Sr. White affirms, “It is with the tongue we convince and persuade; with it we offer prayer and praise to God; and with it we convey rich thoughts of mercy and love” (The Voice in Speech and Song, p. 17, 1988). “Nothing so weakens a church as a wrong use of the talent of speech” (The Voice in Speech and Song, p. 19, 1988). Such triumph crowns the reformed life with enduring peace.

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

PEOPLE OF THE BOOK

TAMING THE TONGUE FOR GOD’S GLORY!

Proverbs 18:21 (KJV): “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”

Leave a comment Cancel reply