The doctor often says to us, "Let me see your tongue." He can tell a a lot about our health by looking at it. In the same way, much can be told about the health of our thoughts by our tongue because the tongue speaks the thoughts of the heart (Matthew 12:34). What our tongue says lets people know what we really are.
In the Bible, God describes the tongue in different ways: I’ve found 5 so far that are very good, and loads that are very destructive.
PS. The Words used are different depending on which bible version you have, most of the ones below pertain to the KJV.
11. (GOOD) Wise Tongue (Psalm 31:26;37:30, Prov 10:13)
12. A complaining tongue (In the wilderness, the children of Israel experienced some ofthe greatest manifestations of God. Yet, they grumbled and complained. In fact, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:10 that the reason some of the Israelites died was because of their constant murmuring and complaining.) Philippians 2:13 - “Do all things without complaining and disputing.” Also read Exodus 15:22 – 17:7 (Review story of Israelites murmuring).
13. (GOOD) A Praising tongue (Psalms 34:1, Psalm 66:17, Psalm 149:6, Psalm 35:28 )
14. An Overused Tongue
Some people sin by simply overusing their tongue. Ecclesiastes 5:3 says that "a fool's voice is known by multitude of words." People think they appear smart by much talking, but the Bible states just the opposite. Ecclesiastes 5:2 says, "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few." God doesn't like a blabber mouth. You say, "Well, that's just the way I am!" Then REPENT! Confess your sin and repent. Stop justifying your wickedness and ask God to help you repent.
15. A Swift (Hasty)Tongue
Some people are guilty of speaking too swiftly when they really need to wait before saying anything. God's word says the following in Proverbs 18:13: "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him." How many times have you had to "eat" your words because you spoke too swiftly? James 1:19 warns us to be swift to HEAR and SLOW to speak. Why do you suppose God gave us two ears but only one mouth?
16. A Backbiting Tongue
Proverbs 25:23 and Romans 1:30 make mention of a backbiting tongue. A backbiter is someone who uses their tongue against you when you aren't present, yet they will not face you with their charges when you are present. This is a cowardly backbiter who would rather stir up problems than solve problems.
A backbiter would much rather talk ABOUT the preacher than talk TO the preacher. A backbiter would much rather talk ABOUT some weak Christian in the church than offer some words of encouragement TO them. A backbiter is of no use to anyone, and no one has ever been strengthened or edified through backbiting. Beware of the backbiters, especially the ones who sow discord among brethren (Pro. 6:19)!
17. A Talebearing Tongue
Proverbs 18:8 says, "The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly." Leviticus 19:16 says, "Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people. . ." Every Christian has the duty to deny his own desires and seek to edify other Christians (Rom. 14:19; Philip. 2:3). Talebearing runs wholly contrary to Christian edification. Talebearing (carrying and telling tales) spreads all sorts of hurtful information around, and Satan uses such information to hinder and tear down God's work. A victim of talebearing, according to Proverbs, is a "wounded" person. God forbid that a Christian should wound another Christian, but it does happen all the time! Some Christians live as though they think God has "called" them to bear tales on other Christians.
18. A Cursing Tongue
Romans 3:13-14 says, "Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness." "As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him. As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones."(Psalm 109:17-18) .
19. A Piercing Tongue
. Another sinful tongue is the piercing tongue. A sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use. Proverbs 12:18 speaks of this tongue by saying, "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health." Some people have a sharp piercing tongue which Satan uses to offend and insult others. The Bible commands Christians to have their speech dominated by GRACE (Col. 4:6), yet most churches have a few people who use their tongue like a sword to pierce their brethren in Christ.
Titus 2:8 commands us to use sound speech which cannot be condemned. Friend, do you use graceful speech which cannot be evil spoken of, or do you possess a piercing tongue? Every Christian's prayer should be, "Lord, make my words gracious and tender, for tomorrow I may have to eat them."
20. A Silent Tongue
A silent tongue is also a sinful tongue because we have been commanded to speak up and witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. In Acts 1:8, Jesus said, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." We, as Christians, have an obligation to tell others about the saving grace of Jesus. To be silent about Christ is to sin against Christ. Jesus said, "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." (Mark 8:38) Pray for opportunities to speak up for your Saviour. Don't be found guilty of having a silent tongue. The Silent Tongue is also sinful, when you keep silent when you the truth is what is needed.
We are responsible for the words that we speak. "And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned." (Matt. 12:36-37) Our own words snare us. (Prov. 6:2) We are ensnared by vows and promises spoken, but not kept. By reckless criticisms and rash judgments. "How can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man out of his good treasure brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth what is evil." (Matt. 12:34-35)
Using the acronym THINK, try to ask these 5 questions before you speak.
Is it True? Remember this rule about gossip: “The more interesting it is, the more likely it is to be false.”
Is it Helpful? Will your words help bring about a solution to a problem?
Is it Inspiring? Will your words build up someone?
Is it Necessary? Do we have to say anything at all?
Is it Kind? Are your words based on a desire to help?
In the Bible, God describes the tongue in different ways: I’ve found 5 so far that are very good, and loads that are very destructive.
PS. The Words used are different depending on which bible version you have, most of the ones below pertain to the KJV.
- A flattering tongue (Psalm 5:9) – We covered this already in the post
- A Proud tongue (Psalm 12:3; 73:9) We covered this too, under boasting
- A lying tongue (Psalm 109:2; Prov. 6:17) We Covered this too, just a recap
- A deceitful tongue (Psalm 120:2, Psalm 52:4, Psalm 101:7)
- A perverted tongue (Prov. 10:31; 17:20)
- (GOOD) - A healing tongue/building tongue (Prov. 12:18, Prov 15:4, Eph 4;29, Acts 11:19-26)
- (GOOD) A Witnessing tongue is addicted to witnessing (Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8, Revelation 12:10 Their great Power in speaking ur testimony)
- A destructive tongue (Prov. 17:4 – Be careful what you Listen to as well guys, peep Proverbs 14:15 “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps”.)
- A mischievous/wicked/Vain tongue (Psalm 10:7, Rom 3:14)
11. (GOOD) Wise Tongue (Psalm 31:26;37:30, Prov 10:13)
12. A complaining tongue (In the wilderness, the children of Israel experienced some ofthe greatest manifestations of God. Yet, they grumbled and complained. In fact, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:10 that the reason some of the Israelites died was because of their constant murmuring and complaining.) Philippians 2:13 - “Do all things without complaining and disputing.” Also read Exodus 15:22 – 17:7 (Review story of Israelites murmuring).
13. (GOOD) A Praising tongue (Psalms 34:1, Psalm 66:17, Psalm 149:6, Psalm 35:28 )
14. An Overused Tongue
Some people sin by simply overusing their tongue. Ecclesiastes 5:3 says that "a fool's voice is known by multitude of words." People think they appear smart by much talking, but the Bible states just the opposite. Ecclesiastes 5:2 says, "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few." God doesn't like a blabber mouth. You say, "Well, that's just the way I am!" Then REPENT! Confess your sin and repent. Stop justifying your wickedness and ask God to help you repent.
15. A Swift (Hasty)Tongue
Some people are guilty of speaking too swiftly when they really need to wait before saying anything. God's word says the following in Proverbs 18:13: "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him." How many times have you had to "eat" your words because you spoke too swiftly? James 1:19 warns us to be swift to HEAR and SLOW to speak. Why do you suppose God gave us two ears but only one mouth?
16. A Backbiting Tongue
Proverbs 25:23 and Romans 1:30 make mention of a backbiting tongue. A backbiter is someone who uses their tongue against you when you aren't present, yet they will not face you with their charges when you are present. This is a cowardly backbiter who would rather stir up problems than solve problems.
A backbiter would much rather talk ABOUT the preacher than talk TO the preacher. A backbiter would much rather talk ABOUT some weak Christian in the church than offer some words of encouragement TO them. A backbiter is of no use to anyone, and no one has ever been strengthened or edified through backbiting. Beware of the backbiters, especially the ones who sow discord among brethren (Pro. 6:19)!
17. A Talebearing Tongue
Proverbs 18:8 says, "The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly." Leviticus 19:16 says, "Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people. . ." Every Christian has the duty to deny his own desires and seek to edify other Christians (Rom. 14:19; Philip. 2:3). Talebearing runs wholly contrary to Christian edification. Talebearing (carrying and telling tales) spreads all sorts of hurtful information around, and Satan uses such information to hinder and tear down God's work. A victim of talebearing, according to Proverbs, is a "wounded" person. God forbid that a Christian should wound another Christian, but it does happen all the time! Some Christians live as though they think God has "called" them to bear tales on other Christians.
18. A Cursing Tongue
Romans 3:13-14 says, "Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness." "As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him. As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones."(Psalm 109:17-18) .
19. A Piercing Tongue
. Another sinful tongue is the piercing tongue. A sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use. Proverbs 12:18 speaks of this tongue by saying, "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health." Some people have a sharp piercing tongue which Satan uses to offend and insult others. The Bible commands Christians to have their speech dominated by GRACE (Col. 4:6), yet most churches have a few people who use their tongue like a sword to pierce their brethren in Christ.
Titus 2:8 commands us to use sound speech which cannot be condemned. Friend, do you use graceful speech which cannot be evil spoken of, or do you possess a piercing tongue? Every Christian's prayer should be, "Lord, make my words gracious and tender, for tomorrow I may have to eat them."
20. A Silent Tongue
A silent tongue is also a sinful tongue because we have been commanded to speak up and witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. In Acts 1:8, Jesus said, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." We, as Christians, have an obligation to tell others about the saving grace of Jesus. To be silent about Christ is to sin against Christ. Jesus said, "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." (Mark 8:38) Pray for opportunities to speak up for your Saviour. Don't be found guilty of having a silent tongue. The Silent Tongue is also sinful, when you keep silent when you the truth is what is needed.
We are responsible for the words that we speak. "And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned." (Matt. 12:36-37) Our own words snare us. (Prov. 6:2) We are ensnared by vows and promises spoken, but not kept. By reckless criticisms and rash judgments. "How can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man out of his good treasure brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth what is evil." (Matt. 12:34-35)
Using the acronym THINK, try to ask these 5 questions before you speak.
Is it True? Remember this rule about gossip: “The more interesting it is, the more likely it is to be false.”
Is it Helpful? Will your words help bring about a solution to a problem?
Is it Inspiring? Will your words build up someone?
Is it Necessary? Do we have to say anything at all?
Is it Kind? Are your words based on a desire to help?
