Taming the Tongue

“I have often regretted my speech, never my silence.”
(Publius – Greek Philosopher)

The tongue — what a study in contrasts! To the physicians, it’s merely a 2 oz. slab of mucous membrane enclosing a complex array of muscles and nerves that enable our bodies to chew, taste, and swallow. How helpful! Equally significant, it is the major organ of communication that enables us to articulate distinct sounds so we can understand each other. How essential!

Without the tongue, no mother could sing her baby to sleep at night. No ambassador could adequately represent our nation. No teacher could stretch the minds of students. No commander could lead his fighting troops into battle. No attorney could defend the truth in court. No pastor could comfort troubled souls. No complicated, controversial issue could ever be discussed and solved. Our entire world would be reduced to unintelligible grunts and shrugs. Seldom do we pause to realize just how valuable this strange muscle in our mouths really is.

But the tongue is as volatile as it is vital. It was Washington Irving who first said, “A tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use.” It was James, the half-brother of Jesus, who first warned us about the tongue: (Read James 3:5-8.)
One word can change the course of human history. Remember, the issue is control, not silence.

3 Biblical Truths Concerning the Tongue:
1. The tongue contains an awesome power for good or evil.
2. No person can control his/her tongue by their own power.
3. We must submit our tongue to the power of the Holy Spirit.

My Time With God

Preparation Time
Read Psalm 39:1.

List out the areas in which you must guard your tongue:

1. Words to my family & friends:

2. Words spoken in anger:

3. Words spoken without thinking:

4. Words spoken out of fear or insecurity:

5. Words spoken out of selfish interests:

Waiting Time
During your waiting time, let God…

Love You.
Realize that God speaks only truth and love to you.

Search You.
“God, You have permission to reveal any wrong use of my words, and especially my heart…the origin of my words.”

Show You.
“God, is there anything that I need to know about use of my tongue as I enter this day?”

Confession Time
Again, James is not calling for silence as the answer to a tongue out of control, but discipline.
Confess the areas of your heart where your words have hurt God and people (be specific):

Bible Time
We can never pray out of God’s will when we pray God’s Word.

…Read James 3:8-12 slowly a couple of times.
…Close your eyes & allow a main truth to surface in your heart.
…Pray the Scripture and allow God to minister to you.

Meditation Time
After praying the Scriptures, write down the thoughts that God has impressed upon your mind.

First, reflect on the contrast of your ability to both bless and curse with your tongue:

Intercession Time – Praying for Others
Begin this time with a prayer of blessing & thanksgiving for the people for whom you will now intercede.
Name Request

Petition Time – Praying for Yourself
How to Petition God Properly
Talk to Him about the “little things”
Be honest with God
Pray “Thy Will Be Done”

Prayer Requests:

Application Time
The smallest obedient act is better than the greatest intention.

Q: What is the main thing that God has impressed on me today?

Q: What am I going to do about it?

Steps to take in my obedience to God this week:

My Goal: To implement the above steps in the next 7 days.

Faith Time
Faith is our positive response to what God has said. Spend a few moments praying through your eyes of faith. Tell God the positive things you see happening because of His goodness!

Praise & Thanksgiving Time

Praise God by recognizing WHO HE IS!
Thank God by recognizing WHAT HE HAS DONE!

This Week’s Memory Verse – Psalm 141:3

This Week’s Time Alone With God

Monday – This Lesson

Tuesday – Ask God if there is anyone you have offended with your words, whom you need to ask their forgiveness.

Wednesday – Pray about 3-5 people who need a “word” of encouragement today…follow through!

Thursday – Write out a prayer today telling God of your commitment to use your tongue to His glory.

Friday – Review your memory verse.