Have you ever found yourself speaking harshly or saying something you didn’t mean? It’s easy to let our words slip, but as Christians, we are called to guard our tongues. James 3:8 says, “No one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.” While it may seem impossible to keep our speech in check, there is hope. The good news is that with God’s help, we can work to tame our tongues and speak words that honor Him.
In this post, we’ll explore what the Bible says about taming the tongue, why it matters, and practical steps you can take to change your speech.
What the Bible Says About Taming the Tongue
Would it surprise you to know two of the 10 Commandments have to do with taming our tongue? The third commandment prohibits taking God’s name in vain (Exodus 20:7), and the ninth commandment forbids false witness against our neighbor. (Exodus 20:16)
The Bible provides many powerful verses on the tongue, highlighting both its potential to hurt and its ability to bring healing.
The Power of Words:
- “The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless.” Proverbs 10:20.
- “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.” Proverbs 12:18
- “Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4
- “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.
The Destructive Nature of the Tongue:
- “Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor; you’re an expert at telling lies.” Psalm 52:2.
- “The tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body.” James 3:6.
- “For their tongues shoot lies like poisoned arrows.” Jeremiah 9:8.
- “They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows.” Psalm 64:3.
It’s clear that our words can either build others up or tear them down. Scripture’s descriptions of the tongue highlight the importance of being mindful of what we say.
Why Taming the Tongue is a Heart Issue
In Matthew 12:34, Jesus gives us the key to understanding why taming the tongue can feel so difficult: “For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” This verse reveals that our words reflect the condition of our hearts.
It’s not just a matter of controlling our speech; we need God to transform our hearts so that our words align with His will.
I love this word picture in Matthew Henry’s commentary – “The heart is the fountain, words are the streams.”
To change the words we speak, we need to first ask God to cleanse and renew our hearts.
Steps to Tame the Tongue
- Assess Your Speech
Take time to reflect honestly on your language. Are there areas in your speech that need improvement? Whether it’s gossip, sarcasm, or anger, identifying your speech patterns is the first step toward change. - Ask for God’s Help
We can’t do this on our own. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your heart and convict you of any words that do not reflect God’s love. He will guide you to speak with grace and kindness. - Pray for Control
David’s prayer in Psalm 141:3 is a great starting point: “Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.” Ask God to help you speak words that bring healing and encouragement. - Memorize Key Verses
James 1:19 says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” Meditating on verses like this can help you pause before speaking and think more carefully about your words. - Track Your Speech
For a few days, note the situations where you struggle with your speech. Understanding your triggers can help you avoid situations that lead to negative speech habits. - Write Instead of Speaking
When you feel frustrated or angry, try writing out your feelings instead of speaking them. This can help you process your emotions and prevent saying something you might regret.
How God Can Transform Your Words
Even the great prophet Isaiah struggled with his speech! After seeing a vision of God on His throne, Isaiah declared, “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips.” (Isaiah 6:5).
God didn’t leave Isaiah in his shame. Instead, He forgave him and sent an angel to cleanse Isaiah’s lips, preparing him to speak God’s truth.
Isaiah then heard the Lord looking for someone to proclaim His truth, asking, “Who shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah steps up and says, “Here am I! Send me!” v8.
God can do the same for us. When we invite Him into our hearts, He will cleanse us and help us use our words to glorify Him.
Conclusion: Taming the Tongue with God’s Help
Taming the tongue is not a simple task, but with God’s help, it is possible. By focusing on the condition of our hearts, asking for His guidance, and putting practical steps into place, we can speak words that reflect His love and bring encouragement to others.
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14.
Blessings,
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the New International Version unless specified otherwise.
Picture Credit: Canva