“Then He said, ‘What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.'” – Mark 7:20-23
The Importance of Our Words
As we reflect on the importance of controlling our tongues, it’s crucial to recognize how our words can shape our lives and the lives of those around us. Our words hold tremendous power, and they can either uplift or tear down. The Bible consistently reminds us that every word we speak has a purpose, and we are to choose them wisely. It prompts us to communicate with intention and thoughtfulness, focusing on what truly matters in our relationships with others and God. This awareness encourages us to watch what we say, ensuring it aligns with the teachings of Christ.
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21
James 3:5
“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark!” – James 3:5
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:6
Psalms 19:14
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” – Psalms 19:14
The Impact of Our Speech on Relationships
Our speech plays a crucial role in how we interact and connect with those around us. When we control our tongues and speak kindly, we build stronger relationships within our families, friendships, and communities. The Bible encourages us to speak with love, compassion, and understanding. By doing so, we reflect the love of Christ in our conversations, fostering unity instead of division. We must remember that our words can either be a source of encouragement or a cause of harm. In controlling our tongues, we open doors to deeper connections and healthier relationships.
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24
Psalms 141:3
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” – Psalms 141:3
The Wisdom of Restraint
In life, we often find ourselves in situations where it is tempting to speak our minds without a second thought. However, the Bible teaches us the value of restraint. We should think before we speak, weighing our words for their impact on ourselves and others. Embracing wisdom and being considerate helps us recognize the potential consequences of our speech. This approach allows us to respond with love and grace instead of reacting impulsively. By practicing restraint, we exemplify the teachings of Jesus and develop a character that reflects His love.
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” – Proverbs 10:19
Ecclesiastes 3:7
“A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.” – Ecclesiastes 3:7
Proverbs 29:20
“Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” – Proverbs 29:20
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” – Proverbs 21:23
James 3:6
“The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” – James 3:6
Speaking Life and Encouragement
Choosing to speak life into others can transform our communities and the world around us. The Bible encourages us to build each other up and bring hope and joy through our words. When we intentionally speak words of encouragement, we not only uplift those around us but also fulfill Christ’s command to love one another. Each of us can be a source of light, spreading positivity and kindness through simple, thoughtful expressions. By controlling our tongues in a way that reflects encouragement, we help nurture a culture of support and love.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Proverbs 25:11
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.” – Proverbs 25:11
Hebrews 10:24
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
Ephesians 4:15
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15
Spiritual Growth Through Our Words
As we strive to control our tongues, we are engaging in an essential aspect of our spiritual growth. The Bible emphasizes that our words reflect our hearts, and by seeking to speak with kindness, love, and wisdom, we cultivate a heart that seeks after God. Regularly practicing self-control over our speech can help us draw closer to Him. This spiritual discipline allows us to become better representatives of Christ and encourages us in our personal development. By aligning our words with God’s teachings, we nurture our relationship with Him and our understanding of His love.
Matthew 12:34
“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” – Matthew 12:34
Luke 6:45
“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” – Luke 6:45
Proverbs 4:24
“Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.” – Proverbs 4:24
Matthew 15:11
“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” – Matthew 15:11
Ephesians 5:4
“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” – Ephesians 5:4
Prayer for Control Over Our Tongue
Lastly, as we reflect on the importance of controlling our tongues, we are encouraged to pray for guidance and strength. It is through prayer that we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, asking for help in managing our words and to become more aware of their impact. This is a powerful step toward spiritual growth. Seeking God’s intervention allows us to embrace a life that aligns more closely with His will, leading us toward more fruitful and loving conversations. Let us commit to being people of prayer and mindfulness, especially regarding our speech.
Psalms 19:14
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” – Psalms 19:14
Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
Final Thoughts
As we journey through this life, controlling our tongues is not just important; it is essential. Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage. When we choose to speak wisely and kindly, we reflect God’s love to those around us. Together, we can let our conversations be filled with grace and uplifting messages. Remember, each opportunity to communicate is a chance to glorify God and deepen our relationships.
Let us be mindful and intentional about the words we choose. Through prayer and reflection, we can seek guidance from the Holy Spirit to help us speak life into every situation we encounter. Whether it’s in our families, friendships, or workplaces, let’s vow to control our tongues and choose messages that bring hope and healing.
For more insights on how our words affect others, consider exploring the topics of words that hurt and degrading others. These reflections encourage us to be mindful of our speech, transforming our communication style into one that honors God.