The Bible teaches, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Prov. 18:21). "He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction" (Prov. 13:3). The tongue is capable of great good. "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life... and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!" (Prov. 15:4, 23). It is also capable of great harm. Therefore David resolved. "...I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me" (Psa. 39:1). The tongue is powerful to destroy as to edify; the poison, or antidote, depending on how it is used. A thoughtful and kind tongue can encourage the weak and exhort the wayward; it can give life! A foolish tongue can destroy personalities and reputations; it can kill! Every one of us carries this powerful instrument every day!
In James, chapter 3, there is a general warning to all Christians about the need for controlling the tongue. Let us look at some improper uses of the tongue.
1). Profanity is certainly the exercise of an uncontrolled tongue. The name of God is sacred and is never to be used with irreverence or disrespect. (Psa. 111:9). Yet, most Christians use a number of euphemisms which profane the name of God. Surely this is done out of ignorance and not out of a conscious desire to take the name of God in vain. The words "gosh" and "golly" are euphemisms for the name of God. "Gee" or "gee whiz" are euphemisms for the name of Jesus. Webster's Third New International Dictionary so defines these words. The child of God must take care to keep his tongue free from all profanity.
2). Hypocrisy with one's tongue is also a woeful danger facing Christians. One may sing "Take time to be holy" and then never read his Bible or pray. One may sing "More about Jesus" and then forsake the services of the church. This is hypocrisy in that an individual professes one thing and practices another.
Let us now consider some commendable uses of the tongue:
1). The Christian should use his tongue for Prayer. Paul exhorts Christians to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17). Pray for the people who need salvation. Pray for the weak and wayward brethren. Pray for the sick.
2). The Christian should use his tongue for Praise and Thanksgiving (Heb. 13:15; Jam. 1:17). Every good gift is from God and he is to be praised and thanked for his goodness.
3). The Christian should use his tongue to Teach the Gospel to the lost. It is the responsibility of every Christian to teach people to believe and obey the gospel of Christ. We must try to restore the erring brethren. If a child of God really believes the gospel is able to save men from the terrors of eternal hell and secure them a heavenly inheritance, he will be searching constantly for opportunities to teach it!
"If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain" (Jam. 1:26). "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." (Prov. 18:21).