The Terrible Tongue!

James 1 :5 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. The tongue, the little piece of flesh, in our mouths, is one of the most difficult part of the body to control. Saint James says that unless we control it, our religion is worthless.

We use the tongue to justify our sin, to bring down other peoples reputations, to tell lies, especially white lies, to do 'holy' gossip, to discuss fellow Christians, to criticize our superiors. And after all this, to glorify God.

St John of the cross realised how difficult it is to control our tongues, and explained how easy it is to fast on food than to control the tongue.

Proverbs 12:18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

The pain our tongue causes on other people, is the same amount of pain that pierces the heart of Jesus. Because even sinners are made in the image of God.

Even a good word should be said the right time. Jesus once told his disciples: “I still have many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them now.” (John 16:12)

Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Suggested ways:- Flee! From people who only see negative in others. Those who are in the gossip network. Those with flattery words. Those who tell us what others said about us. Flee! And pray for them.

Mathew 12:36 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

Revelations 21:27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.