Tongue-tied

James 3-5, 10-11 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt (bitter) water flow from the same spring?  ​

The power of the tongue cannot be over-estimated. The tongue can lift up or tear down. It can encourage or defeat. With a few well-placed words, a person can be misdirected from the course God has set him on. Just as Satan misled Eve, so can we be misled. 

Prov 15:4 tells us that the tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. It is easy to forget or not even notice the harm we do when we 'share' information with others. I have noticed that those that whisper in a crowd usually are not edifying the body of Christ. 

Ps 39:1 I said, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence."  

One of the most difficult things I have tried to learn is when to keep my mouth shut and when to speak. It is not easy to discern the wisdom of silence and the wisdom of instruction. I have learned one of the best ways for me to handle gossip is to simply walk away or change the subject completely. 

While in a charge position at work, I placed a sticky note directly in front of me. It simply said, "EOMS". It definitely drew a lot of attention. Until the workers around my desk became accustomed to seeing it there, I had to explain it repeatedly. It simply means 'ears open, mouth shut'. It drew laughs as well as nods of understanding. I learn a lot more if I listen and don't speak.  

We are encouraged to love the Lord with all our hearts and minds and spirits. I would add one more thing to that. Love Him with our lips. Praise Him. His Word gives us eternal life. Give Him eternal praise. 

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