This week we are looking at difficult sayings given to us by our Lord.  The words we want to discuss in the blog tonight has to do with what Jesus said about the tongue.

Matthew 12:36-37 (NKJV)
³⁶  But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. ³⁷  For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Any instructions, commands, or admonitions concerning the tongue are difficult because our tongues are members of our bodies that cannot be tamed (James 3:7).  This does not mean that we cannot control our tongues.  Too many try to use this passage as an excuse to misuse the tongue.  It is said that when we say bad things it is not our fault because God knows that we just cannot tame the tongue.  Well, just remember that there is a difference between taming and controlling something.  Untamable animals can be brought under control, but you can never let your guard down around them because they are never completely tamed.  Such is the case with our tongues.  We must always be on guard.

One of the difficulties of the tongue is how easy it is to misuse it.  Sometimes before we even realize what we are doing, we say something negative about someone.  We must develop enough strength to stop ourselves, mid-sentence, if need be, from saying things that we should not say to or about others.  Never think that a little misuse of the tongue is acceptable.  Listen to Paul.

Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV)
²⁹  Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

When it comes to corrupt words, Paul did not say a little is okay, did he?  He said, “Let NO corrupt word proceed out of your mouth…”  This is important because when our goal is to never speak corrupt words, we will always be on guard against it.  If our thinking is otherwise, while we may not be chronic abusers of the tongue, we will allow corrupt words to escape our lips from time to time and that puts us in danger.  Jesus said that in the judgment, we will have to give account for every idle word we speak.

The fact that we will be justified or condemned by our words reminds us of just how important our words are.  The way a person talks can reveal volumes about his overall personality and character.  Whether we are humble or prideful, foolish or wise, thoughtful or impetuous, can all be seen by the way we talk.  Words might be the most powerful tool that we possess.

By our words, we can almost immediately build someone up, and just as quickly tear someone down.  That is how powerful the tongue is.  Solomon once said, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21).  That cannot be said of too many things, can it?  James described the tongue as a fire and a world of unrighteousness.  It is certainly nothing for us to take lightly.  If we do, it might cost us our souls.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.