Chapter 5 - Diseases of the TongueDisease #1: Excessive Talking
Key Verse:
Proverbs 10:19 - "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." (NIV)
Key Thoughts:
When we say too much, we are bound to say something wrong. There is no alternative. Ecclesiastes 5:3 tells us that to use too many words is the mark of a fool. Also, James warns us in James 3:8, "No man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." (NIV) James suggests that people who are always talking are restless people. Our contemporary culture is filled with them. Excessive talking can be a sure indication of someone whose heart is not at rest. (Prince, p 47)
Disease #2: Idol or Careless Words
Key Verse:
Matthew 12:36, Jesus says, "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken." (NIV)
Key Thought:
If you don't mean, don't say it!
Disease #3: Gossip
Key Verse:
Leviticus 19:16 - Do not go about spreading slander among your people." (NIV)
Key Thoughts:
There are various requirements for access to God's presence, in order to "dwell on His holy hill." We must walk with integrity; we must work righteousness; we must speak the truth in our hearts. There are also three things listed that we should not do, we must not slander with our tongues, we must not do evil to our neighbor, and we must not take up a reproach or receive a reproach against our friends. It is not enough that we do not slander; we must not receive the slanderer as well. (51-52)
Disease #4 - Lying
Key Verses:
Proverbs 6:16-19 - "There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers." (NIV)
Proverbs 12:22 - "The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful." (NIV)
Key Thoughts:
It is important to note that in Proverbs 6, out of the seven things the Lord hates, three of them are related to the tongue.
Different opposites are brought to our attention in these verses, including "lying" and "truthful". The Scripture teaches that there is nothing in between. If it is not truthful, it is a lie. If it is a lie, the Lord detests it. If it is truthful, the Lord delights in it. (54)
Disease #5 - Flattery
Key Verse:
Psalm 12:1-3 - "Help, LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception. May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue." (NIV)
Key Thoughts:
Too often we find ourselves speaking flattering words, but they are not sincere. There is another motive behind it. We must work hard not to lead or be led into a commitment or relationship that is outside the will of God. Proverbs 26:28 reminds us that "a flattering mouth works ruin." (NIV) (58-59)
Disease #6 - Hastiness of Speech
Key Verse:
Proverbs 29:20 - "Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him." (NIV)
Key Thoughts:
A provoked spirit causes us to speak unadvisedly with our lips, and these hasty words cost us many privileges and blessings. Moses spoke hastily to the children of
Coming up in Chapter 6: The Root of the Problem
The root of every problem affecting our tongues is in our hearts.
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