Our tongues are small, but they have unbelievable power. Our tongues can bring happiness and hurt, they can even bring life or death! “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21Girls, we must guard our tongues. It is so easy to let careless words slip, but the hard part is, we can never take them back. We must stop unkind words before they leave our lips. This is extremely difficult. Taming the tongue is one of the hardest things anyone can do. “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” –Matthew 12:36-37. As written in Matthew, we will be judged for every careless word. Speak in a way that brings glory and honor to God, not just what brings enjoyment and laughs with your friends.
Swearing comes to mind when peoples talk about watching their ‘words’. While swearing is depraved, there are many other sins that our tongues may struggle with. Perhaps you tease, gossip or tell inappropriate jokes. This is just as dire a sin as swearing. “My lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will utter no deceit.” – Job 27:4. Instead of gossiping, spread the good news of Jesus! Instead of taking the Lords name in vain, say ‘Oh my goodness’! There are many ways to share a laugh with a friend without resorting to gross jokes. Talking with friends is fun, but we have to watch what we say and how we say it.
God’s fifth commandment to us is to ‘honor your father and mother’. That means we are to use respectful words when addressing our parents (and all people in authority over us). I have found that even when I disagree with my parents, if I can respectfully state my position, my parents are much more likely to listen to what I have to say.
Remember that God blesses those who abide by His commands! Use your words for good, not bad. When in a tight spot, don’t let your anger get the better of you, count to 10 or leave the area for a few minutes. Memorize some verses to remind yourself of God’s truths to help you in this time of need.
“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” –James 1:26
“The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” –Proverbs 15:4
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” –Proverbs 31:26
“Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.” –Psalm 139:4 (c)
