Taming Our TongueSample

Glorifying God With Our Words

Earlier in this reading plan, we considered that if you and I identify as a follower of Jesus, He should be the ultimate source of our words. He has given us the Holy Spirit, who will speak through us on His behalf. (See Mark 13:11) Scripture tells us that we are called to be ready at all times to share our testimony of the work Christ has done in our lives. As we cover each conversation in prayer, this should give us great peace allowing us to rest easy knowing that not every conversation can be thoroughly planned out word for word.

However, this does not give us license to say the first thing that comes to our mind when we are called upon to speak into the lives of others. All too often, our initial feelings and thoughts are tainted by our own opinions, agendas, and biases. Without realizing it, we can mistakenly fall into the trap of becoming the hero instead of the guide.

Instead, whenever possible, we would do well to practice the wisdom of Proverbs 15:28, which says, "The mind of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil." The daily practice of solitude and silence provides a safe place for our minds to ponder the words we might say in everyday conversation.

Henri Nouwen once wrote about the connection between our words and the daily practice of solitude and silence, "A word with power is a word that comes out of silence. A word that bears fruit is a word that emerges from the silence and returns to it. It is a word that reminds us of the silence from which it comes and leads us back to the silence."

Compassion is the fruit of time well spent in silence with Christ. Words born out of silence have the power to bring healing to the soul of another. Proverbs 10:21 speaks about this kind of healing when it says, "The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense."

As we conclude this reading plan on taming the tongue, perhaps you might take some extended time to ponder the following questions. Have I become careless with the words that come from my mouth, forgetting that Jesus should be the source of my words, not culture? Am I willing to completely surrender my tongue to God and my neighbor posturing myself in a way that is focused on listening well to others? And finally, do the words that flow from my lips bring glory to the Father, point people to Jesus, and guide others along the path of spiritual formation?

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