The Tongue

Written by Tim MacGowan

Today I preached on “the tongue”, basing the message on James 1:26 and 3:2-12. My words are one of the measures of my heart’s condition. It got me thinking about a bible verse that has been an important guide for me over the years.

Ephesians 4:29 says "Let no unwholesome word proceed out of your mouth but only such a word as is good for edification, according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who year."

In younger years, I would often say things to try to get a laugh or make myself look better. In the process, I left a wake of hurt feelings and found myself feeling guilty or apologetic over careless words said in haste. This verse became one that I memorized early on in my Christian walk. The word translated "edification" in Greek is a compound word, oikosdome, meaning "home-building". Our words build an atmosphere as surely as a construction team builds a house. I knew that my words often built the wrong kind of house. Two of the tools that I have used over the years to grow in this area come from the verse in Ephesians. They are questions to be used as measuring sticks. "Do these words fit the need of the moment?" and "Will these words give grace to those who hear them?"

When I can remember to slow down, think before I speak, and put these tools into play, I like the house that is built a who lot better.