Controlling the tongue is a challenge for any person. The gift for humanity is gift of language and speech. Good words could bless, inspire, affirm, encourage, equip and uphold people. “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34)
1) Destructive Tongue: Words could spark of fire and destroy peace in the society. Words of rumour have created riots, destruction of people or property.
2) Dividing tongue: Using clever words, people could divide people living in harmony into warring groups.
3) Damaging tongue: Gossip and fake news could damage the reputation of people.
4) Deadly tongue: Words could be poison that could create death for individuals, sometimes families and communities. Abusive words have discouraged and destroyed growing or emerging people to leadership. Life and death is in the power of tongue. (Proverbs 18:21) James writes that words could be fatal poison. (James 3:8)
5) Demanding tongue: Proud people words are commanding and demanding. They demand respect, honour, priorities, privileges and best service from all.
6) Directing/ Distracting tongue: Like the rudder in the ship, tongue could control a whole person and lead him in right direction or in a wayward direction.
7) Depressing tongue: Negativity, and pessimistic words depress others. Some people never have words of upliftment or optimism.
8) Disgusting tongue: There are few who use filthy words, unparliamentary words or mocking words that humiliate people and offend dignity of people.
9) Deceptive tongue: People speak with the intention to deceive others. Satan used words to deceive Eve in the Garden of Eden.
However, disciples of Lord Jesus Christ should have: Distinguished tongue: Words of dignity, humility, love, grace, peace… flows from such tongue. Words of encouragement could uplift a person from anxiety. (Proverbs 12:25) Sweet words like honey, heals soul and gives health to bones. (Proverbs 16:24) Speak Fruit of Spirit words: loving words, joyful words, peaceful words, patience words, mercy words, good words, faith words, meek words and self-control words. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Do I have a distinguished tongue and my words dignified?