The Control of the Tongue

(#688, Imperial 1956,1964)

Read Matthew 12:33-37.

One word spoken by God brought creation into being.

One word spoken by us can do a world of good or evil.

Note the following sins of the tongue.

ƒ      Exaggeration: coloring a story to keep it from sounding flat.

ƒ      Flattery: an effort to compensate for lack of value.

ƒ      Hypocrisy: one whose profession exceeds his practice, whose creed outruns his life, who says more than he believes.

ƒ      Profanity: when Peter wanted to convince the world he was not a disciple, he used oaths (Mt. 26:74).

ƒ      Criticism: saying anything that puts the other in an evil light.

w     This is one of the most prevalent sins of the tongue, though we are commanded not to speak evil of anyone (Js. 4:11; Tt.3:2).

w     This sin has serious consequences...

    1.  It separates old friends.

    2.  It brings cruel misunderstandings.

    3.  It blasts the reputation of Godly men.

    4.  It breaks the hearts of dearest saints.

    5.  It blocks the power of the Holy Spirit.

w     Criticism hurts the one who speaks and injures the one of whom it is spoken.

w     Criticism and slander are the works of the devil.

How are we to control the tongue?  We must first recognize two opposing yet true statements. 

If you can control your tongue, you can conquer anything else.

No man can tame the tongue.

    1.  We must guard our heart, Mt. 12:34.

    2.  We must be watchful, Mt. 12:34.

    3.  Yield to the Holy Spirit - since no man can control the tongue, let God control it.

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;

Keep watch over the door of my lips.

Psalm 141:3.