I read a very striking statement in the book of James, one that I have thought about for a long time.
James 3:2 says: "For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well."
There is a powerful section here about the tongue, the organ we use to speak.
I can't imagine a life where I never use my words in ways that are dishonorable or insulting. To be honest, my speech can be pretty filthy at times.
Also, I find myself filtering things out as they go from my brain to my mouth. The dialogue in my head is a lot more vulgar than the things I actually say. Whenever I am alone, and I talk out loud, I generally turn the filter off. Sometimes, when I'm with my wife or a certain group of friends, I turn the filter down. It's not something I do consciously, either.
When I read James 3, however, I feel convicted because James compared the tongue to the rudder on a ship. The rudder is small, yet it changes the direction of the entire ship. He makes it sound as if our speech is an overflow of what's in our heart. It makes me reflect on the real condition of my own heart, and how much I need a Savior.
How do you feel about your own speech?
Comments (12)
Well I guess I'm not perfect at all haha. I can't get me thoughts out most of the time, and make myself look like an idiot.
I usually don't say anything of any significance.
I feel the same way now.
This is why it never makes any sense to me why people substitute "lesser words" for curse words, when they basically mean the same thing. So when I stub my toe (and I do this a lot, because I'm a klutz) and I yell out "FUDGE!" it really doesn't make much difference because God knows what the real word is that I'm thinking in my head! So if God knows I'm thinking it (and I really don't mean to in that circumstance, it just happens), then whether I say it out loud or not doesn't seem important.
And I always giggle at radio stations who censor the "bad words" but it still doesn't make a certain song less vulgar. It's possible to be "filthy" as you say, without the use of "filthy" words that only get one or two appearances in PG13 movies, but free reign in R-rated ones.
I'm just glad to know that I am not the only one that struggles in this area, :). Sometimes I wonder if it's just me or if others have not so nice thoughts in their heads. I always say if I was on a desert island by myself, I would not sin, lol. It's the milliseconds between seeing something and the thought hitting my brain and then tongue that drives me nuts. I believe my thoughts sometimes are the worst part of my sinning. If I could just turn off my opinionated, judgmental part of that, lol.
Great post!
Jill Briscoe: "It only takes 3 inches of tongue to bring down a 6-foot tall man."
Yeah, I struggle with that, too. (sometimes when dress rehearsals aren't going very well, or a clarinet reed fails me).
One change I try to make is to use more "I" words than "you" words when I'm in conflict with someone.
I guess we are back to "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." What is in there? I doesn't even have to "swear words". It can be hate, malice, etc.
But let's be real clear. We all have emotions that we are processing at any given point of the day. It is part of our being different than animals. Also the fact that we have the God-given right of choice makes a difference too.
I have been around people who I have looked at and said "Do you think before you open your mouth?" I have even asked that to my own children. The problem is that society wants us to just to let out whatever comes down the pike of our mouth and brain.
I am not perfect, and usually in a time of great anger words slip out that I have to ask forgiveness for. I struggle just like everyone else. It just means effort.
I don't swear or say vulgar things, but I do know that I speak negatively sometimes and I know I need to work on that.
Godly speech isn't just about a list of words we shouldn't say. If you try so hard to have pure speech and therefore don't ever say as much "dang" ...I could give two shits, if all you do is backstab, gossip and pour out negativity and cynicism with your cuss-less speech.
I'd rather listen to someone using the F word in every sentence if the actual message they are communicating is has integrity and redeeming value.
I do think it is important to know how to use language appropriate for a given situation, and not to always have to resort to cuss words or really lazy slang. But I think what you actually communicate is far more important than how you communicate it.
Yes, what you say is vitally important and can totally bring you down. Some of the things though that Christians get legalistic about in this area are not a Biblical issue, but more of a "if it causes your brother to stumble" issue. Like swearing - that filter does change for me as well and I know that's because it is not a Biblical commandment not to use vulgar words. Personally I feel convited not to use God or Jesus or derivatives like gosh.
To me the bigger issues are backstabbing and gossip and spending time glorifying things that are not godly. If you think about it, cuss words are only discriptive, but the time that we spend talking about michael jackson or whats-her-name hilton or complaining or uselessly arguing or hurting others feelings with a well places jab - that is time we could be talking about the Lord, focusing on His word and not only that but no matter what company you keep those words tear down and destroy.
There is a saying, "The voice does the work of the Buddha". Words are the most powerful things we have. We can hurt people, make people laugh, urge them to consider, inspire them, and most importantly in my opinion, share friendship with each other.
very interesting entry.. i don't believe anyone is perfect as far as speech.. we all have our flaws.. the words that used in this entry are very powerful
A cuss word is only that when it is taken out of context and used to either dishonor God or put someone else down.
As a Christian it is possible to control your tongue. I am not perfect but it has taken lots of work to be able to do this. I have to think before the words come out of my mouth. The questions I ask myself are; Is this pleasing to God or Is what I have to say going to lift the other person.
About the mind Paul said in Romans 12:2 to "not formed by the world but, be transformed by the renewing of your mind." I am not to allow the world guide what I think about. God is the only one who can change how I think or talk. It is through God's transforming power that I am able to control what I say. Again I am not perfect there are times that I have to go back and apologize.