Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29
The world offers many distractions and temptations. We have to choose each moment to live for Christ on purpose. Today we address the tongue. Between classmates, coworkers, family members, the trash talking gal behind you in line at the grocery store, the bully at school or the gossiper sitting behind you at the restaurant, it's hard not to be pulled into this harmful life style. Used to, it seems, that profanity was saved for the uneducated, the street kids and thugs and those who are immature and want to sound tough among their peers. Now we hear profanity come from the mouths of Doctors, lawyers, College professors and yes even some Pastors. When did it become acceptable to talk like a common thug? If that alone is not enough to give us pause, we deal with bullies, slanderers, gossips and so forth. While we can not control what the world acts or speaks like, we can control how WE act and speak. Scripture is VERY clear on how we are to act as children of God.
You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain. Exodus 20:7
and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or course jesting which are not fitting, but rather give thanks. Ephesians 5:4
Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals." 1 Corinthians 15:33
If anyone thinks himself religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. James 1:26
The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. Luke 6:45
"THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE, WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING," "THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS"; "WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS"; "THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD, DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS, AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN." "THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES." Romans 3 13-18
I can list many, many more verses to address the tongue. God is serious with matters of the tongue. A quick search led me to over 30 verses! If God takes matters of the tongue seriously, then so should we!. What do you struggle with? Profanity? Slander Gossip? Lies? What ever it is you can choose different..Choose to Speak as Christ would. Choose Christ on Purpose.