Sins of the Tongue Part 2

LET US OBSERVE A LESSON FROM A THERMOMETER AND A THERMOSTAT

A. A thermometer RECORDS the temperature . . . a thermostat CONTROLS the temperature.

1. The tongue combines both the thermometer and the thermostat in the same device.

2. – “For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.”

​ KJV 19002 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

B. The tongue as a THERMOMETER.

1. Just as the thermometer declares the temperature level, so one’s conversation reveals the level of his spirituality.

2. Speech exposes the condition of the heart.

a. Swearing discloses a profane heart.

b. Impure stories disclose a filthy heart.

c. Murmuring discloses a thankless heart.

d. Criticism discloses a jealous heart.

C. The tongue as a THERMOSTAT.

1. The thermometer registers temperature, but in no way regulates it. The thermostat governs the temperature. The tongue not only measures moral condition, but is also a determining instrument.

2. In , the tongue is spoken of using the figures of a bit in a horses mouth and the rudder on a ship.

​ KJV 19003 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

a. A bit determines the course of a horse, making him turn to the left or the right . . . letting him run fast or jolting him to a stop.

b. A rudder guides the ship’s course, turning it in any desired direction.

c. Similarly, proper use of the tongue can guide a person safely through hazardous circumstances.

3. As a thermostat, the tongue can lower the temperature of:

a. Pride

b. Temper

c. Jealousy

d. Spite

e. And others sins of the tongue, and make one more like the Lord Jesus Christ.

SEVEN SINS OF THE TONGUE.

Sins of the tongue can be numerous. We shall consider seven of the most common.

A. SWEARING

1. God warned the people of Israel in – “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”

​ KJV 19007 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

2. God’s displeasure with cursing was made plain by His instructions to Moses as commanded in these two passages:

a. – “Take outside the camp him who has cursed; then let all who heard him lay their hands on his head, and let all the congregation stone him.”

​ KJV 190014 Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.

b. – “And whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall certainly stone him, the stranger as well as him who is born in the land. When he blasphemes the name of the LORD, he shall be put to death.”

​ KJV 190016 I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.

3. Regardless of what you might think, profanity is not a mark of toughness. Rather, it is a mark of weakness and stupidity. Those who profane God’s name indicate their mental poverty and lack of self-control.

4.General George Washington felt that God’s favor would not be on his troops if swearing was practiced.

We cannot but help be impressed with an entry he wrote in his orderly book on August 3, 1776. “I am sorry to be informed that the foolish and wicked practice of profane swearing, a vice heretofore little known in the American army, is growing into fashion. I hope that the officers will, by example and influence, endeavor to check it; and that both they and the men will reflect, that we have little hope of the blessing of heaven on our arms, if we insult Him by out impiety and folly. Added to this is a vice so mean and low . . . that every man of sense and character detests and despises it.”

5. Swearing is neither sensible or worthwhile. The person who swears . . . . . .

a. Lays aside his character.

b. Inflicts pain on those close to him.

c. Violates the Scriptures.

d. And loses his soul.

6. In every life there are some hours of crisis when there is a need to call upon God for help and strength.

a. – “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.”

​ KJV 190010 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

b. However, a person who has cursed and profaned the name of the Lord will find it difficult to ask for His help.

7. A little tract entitled, “Ten Reasons Why I Swear,” shows the foolishness of the habit. The ten stated reasons are:

a. (1) It pleases mother so much.

b. (2) It is a fine mark of manliness.

c. (3) It proves I have self-control.

d. (4) It indicates how clearly my mind operates.

e. (5) It makes my conversation so pleasing to everybody.

f. (6) It leaves no doubt in anyone’s mind as to my good breeding.

g. (7) It impresses people that I have more than an ordinary education.

h. (8) It is an unmistakable sign of culture and refinement.

i. (9) It makes a very desirable personality among women and children and respectable society.

j. (10). It is my way of honoring God, who said, “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain . . .”

8. Listen to what God’s word says about the tongue. – “With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.

​ KJV 19009 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?

1 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.”

a. How mysterious it would be to get fresh water and salt water or even iron water from the same stream.

b. It is as puzzling for blessing and cursing to come from the same mouth.

c. How strange for the tongue to speak praise one moment and spew poisonous words of profanity the next.

B. GOSSIPING & TALEBEARING

1. God’s law stated in – “You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people . . .”

​ KJV 190016 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the Lord.

2. The gossiper is a “reputation assassin.” Jean Blewett wrote in a poem: “The man who with the breath lent him by heaven speaks words that soil the whiteness of a life. Is but a murderer, for death is given, As surely by the tongue as by the knife.”

3. An unknown poet has pointed out that one’s thoughts should pass three gates of gold before they are spoken:

If you are tempted to reveal A tale to you someone has told About another, make it pass Before you speak, three gates of gold. These narrow gates: First, “Is it true?” Then, Is it needful?” In your mind Give truthful answer. And the next Is last and narrowest, “Is it kind?” And if to reach your lips at last It passes through these gateways three Then you may tell the tale, nor fear What the result of speech may be.

4. IS IT TRUE?

No one has the right to relate any story about another unless he is absolutely certain that it is true.

a. The Lord commanded in – “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”

​ KJV 190016 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

b. David asked in - “Who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?”

​ KJV 19001 Lord, Who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

c.Two verses later he gave this answer: “He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart.”

d. Many will pass on a story about another without taking time to verify the accuracy of it. No one should say anything about others that they would be unwilling to write out and sign.

e. Most people have the tendency to add a little to a story before passing it on. Someone has well said, “I like the parrot. It is the only creature gifted to repeat just what it hears without trying to make a good story out of it.”

f. The rumor was spread that when a certain minister’s wife was attending a public meeting, her husband went there in a rage, violently dragged her from the hall, and compelled her to go home. The minister, who was in town, allowed the tle to circulate for a time. Then, one Sunday morning, he made this statement to the congregation. In the first place, I never attempted to influence my wife in her choice of a meeting. In the second place, my wife did not attend the meeting in question. In the third place, I did not attend the meeting myself. And finally, I am not even married.”

5. IS IT KIND?

Everything that is true may not be kind.

6. IS IT NEEDFUL? One’s remarks about others should serve a purpose.

a. Even some things about others which are true are better left unsaid.

b. The Bible says in – “A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.

​ KJV 190013 A talebearer revealeth secrets: But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

c. The Bible says in – “He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends.”

​ KJV 19009 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; But he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

d. Just as picking a flower to pieces, petal by petal, will destroy its beauty, so the morbid dissection of another's character, by whispering and gossip, can shatter his reputation and destroy his happiness.

e. Here is a good suggestion to follow: If you your lips would keep from slips, Five things observe with care; Of whom you speak, to whom you speak, And how, and when, and where.

f. A teenager went to an elderly man for advice. He had been guilty of spreading a tale about another, and had now discovered that it was untrue. He wanted to know how he could repair the damage. The elderly man gave him these instructions: First, he was to lay a fluffy chicken feather at the door of each house in the little community; then he was to return for further instructions. Upon his return the elderly gentleman commanded, “Now, go and retrieve each feather.” The boy objected that by now the wind would have blown the feathers in every direction. It would be impossible to recover them. His counselor nodded in agreement, and said, “So it is with your words, my son. Like the feathers which the wind scattered, they have blown in many directions, and you can never recall them.

C. CRITICISM

1. A lecturer once held up before an audience a large white handkerchief marred by one small blot. “What do you see” he asked. “A blot” was the almost unanimous reply. Practically no one noticed the white background.

a. How like human nature. Most are quick to see the faults in others, but overlook their good qualities.

b. Jesus warned, “Judge not, that you be not judged. “

​ KJV 19001 Judge not, that ye be not judged.

c. The Lord was not condemning the proper kind of judgment, for he said in – “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."

​ KJV 190024 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

d. Jesus was prohibiting faultfinding and criticism where there is no law (no basis).

e. One lady criticized her neighbor for hanging out dirty clothes on the clothes line, only to find that the dirty streaks were not on her neighbor’s wash at all, but on her own window.

f. Someone has penned these lines: “One great truth in life I’ve found, While journeying to the West; The only folks we really wound Are those we love the best.

We flatter those we scarcely know. We please the fleeting guest, And deal full many a thoughtless blow. To those we love the best.”

g. – “Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?”

​ KJV 190011 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. 12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

D. CONTENTIOUS WORDS

1. Contention is sometimes unavoidable. But usually it can be averted by proper control of the tongue. – “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”

​ KJV 19001 A soft answer turneth away wrath: But grievous words stir up anger.

2. When a bee or a wasp buzzes around your head, if you don’t bother it, it will probably leave you alone. But try to swat it and you are likely to get stung.

3. There are some remarks which will invariably stir up a hornet’s nest.

a. “I wouldn’t let him get away with that.”

b. “She’s just jealous, that’s all.”

c. “She thinks she’s somebody now, but I remember when . . .”

d. “Don’t’ be mad if I tell you this, but . . .”

e. “I think you should know what she said about you . . .”

4. We need to learn the art of remaining calm when a storm of contention is brewing. – “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city”

​ KJV 190032 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

5. Soft words will stop arguments as well as prevent arguments.

a. Winners of arguments still lose. People are left feeling . . . . . .

1. Inferior

2. Mad

3. Hurt

4. Disappointed

5. Vengeful

6. Betrayed

7. Etc.

b. Win an argument and lose a friend.

c. Win an argument and lose a soul.

d. Win an argument and lose a Savior.

E. LYING

1. Lying ranks high among the vices of human beings. Many feel there is nothing serious about lying . . . unless one gets caught. God’s Word says:

a. – “Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.”

​ KJV 190022 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: But they that deal truly are his delight.

b. In , God hates “A lying tongue.”

​ KJV 190017 A proud look, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood,

2. If a person always speaks the truth he need not worry about remembering what he has said because the truth will always be the same. On the other hand, those who tell lies have to have exceptionally good memories.

3. One lie leads to another: Boy in counseling – a compulsive liar – “Do not know what is true or not any more.” (Studying to be a preacher)

4. “Always tell the truth, even if it chokes you.”

5. Lying, unless repented of and forgiven, will keep a person out of Heaven. The Bible warns in – “But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.”

​ KJV 190027 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

F. JESTING & IDLE WORDS

1. Jesus said in – “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.”

​ KJV 190036 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

2. In Paul lists some things that he says, “Let it not be named once among you as becometh saints.” In verse 4 he concludes “jesting” in that list.

​ KJV 19001 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

a. Some have concluded from these passages that all joking is wrong and that humor must be completely shunned by Christians.

b. However, the word “idle” literally means “free from work, not working, inactive.”

c. A idle word is one which isn’t working or producing. It is a weed in the garden of speech.

3. Humor has its rightful place. – “A merry heart does good, like medicine . . .”

​ KJV 190022 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: But a broken spirit drieth the bones.

4. However, there are some kinds of jesting that are wrong. For instance:

a. It is sinful to make fun of, or take advantage of, a person’s handicap. The law said in – “You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shall fear your God: I am the LORD.”

​ KJV 190014 Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the Lord.

b. It is also wrong to jest at another’s appearance or misfortune. God said

in – “He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.”

​ KJV 19005 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: And he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

G. EUPHEMISMS

1. Jehovah has forever regarded, with great displeasure, and disposition on the part of man to use His name in flippant, frivolous and profane fashion.

a. The first commandment of the dialogue was designed to protect the sanctity of God’s being. – “ You shall have no other gods before Me.”

​ KJV 19003 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

b. The second forbade man to approach Him through some human device. – “You shall not make for yourself a carved image — any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.”

​ KJV 19004 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

c. The third commanded, “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain” This was formulated to guarantee respect and reverence for God’s name. d. Listening friends, these are repeated in .

​ KJV 19007 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

​ KJV 19007 Thou shalt have none other gods before me. 8 Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth: 9 Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, 10 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments. 11 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

2. One is profane who uses sacred things in an irreverent and a blasphemous manner.

a. The word “vain” in the third of the Ten Commandments, is translated from a word which means in a light, flippant, and contemptuous fashion.

b. It is of serious consequence that many members of the church have allowed to creep into their phraseology words and phrases, the use of which amounts to profanity.

c. Christ . . . Jesus . . . Jerusalem . . . Heaven . . . Hell . . . Hades, as INTERJECTIONS (which according to Webster is defined as “An ejaculatory word or form of speech usually thrown in without grammatical connection) and for emphasis, will nevertheless use EUPHEMISMS (the substitution of a word or phrase less offensive or objectionable), the deviation of which goes back to one of the forgoing forms.

d. If those in the church who use these euphemisms were aware of the origin of many of these common by-words, they would be shocked.

4. Some common euphemisms.

a. GEE-WHIZ

1. “Gee” is an euphemism contraction of the name “Jesus.” It is a slang and has no proper use in our language.

2. Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary says that it is “A minced form of Jesus, used in mild oaths.”

3. “Whiz” is a slang word for anything excellent, “a corker, sometimes applied to a clever person or thing of excellence. Something or someone of exceptional ability or quality.

4. The words “Gee-Whiz” are, therefore an oath in which Jesus and something extraordinary or unusual or joined.

b. GOSH

1. “Gosh” is an interjection used euphemistically for God.

2. It is an exclamatory slang expression indicating surprise.

3. The Century Dictionary says that it is “A minced form of God: often used interjectionally as a mild oath.”

4. Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary says that it is “a softened form of God, used as a mild oath.”

5. It is occasionally used in hyphenated fashion such as “Gosh-awful,” which means, literally, “God-awful.” In this form it is often used as an adjective and euphemistically.

c. GAD, EGAD, etc.

1. These terms are also interjections and are used euphemistically for the word “God” in mild oaths.

2. They indicate surprise . . . disgust . . . dismay . . .and similar emotions, and are ejaculatory in character.

3. They are often joined with other terms of further emphasis, such as:

a. “Gee Whilikins”

b. “Gee Whilikers” (Dennis, the Menace TV show)

c. “Gee Whiskers”

4. Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary says, “A softened form of the word God as used in mild oaths of which the second element is often a corruption or made up words.

d. GOLLY

1. This word, of extremely common use, is described by the New World Dictionary as “an exclamation of surprise, an euphemism for God.”

2. It is often used in conjunction with the word “by” as in “By golly!” Which is to say “By God!”

3. Sometimes it is used as a noun and at other times as an interjection for the word “God.”

4. Jim Nabor’s character, Gomer Pyle, frequently used this word on his TV program.

e. GOOD GRACIOUS! GOOD GRIEF! MY GOODNESS!, etc.

1. These are all mild oaths where the word good or goodness is used for God according to Webster’s New World Dictionary.

2. There are many forms of this usage such as:

a. “Goodness sake!”

b. “Goodness knows!”

c. “Thank goodness!”

3. All of these are ejaculatory and exclamatory expressions in reference to the goodness of God, but used slangly and for emphasis.

4. One who thus speaks calls for God to witness to the statement which the oath is associated.

5. In the expression, “Goodness knows who it could have been” means God only knows and I do not.

6. In the expression, “Goodness knows it wasn’t me” means God knows it and could affirm my statement.

f. HEAVENS! GOOD HEAVENS! FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE!

1. These are all statements of exclamatory character, in which the heavens are called to witness to the truth of the statement, or to support the affirmation.

2. All such expressions when used a by-words, as slang, and in a flippant, frivolous fashion, violate our Lord’s injunction set forth in the Sermon on the Mount and recorded in – “But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.”

​ KJV 190034 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: 35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

3. We are not suppose that it is wrong to use the various names of God in our conversation when such usage is reverent, respectful, and sober (Serious).

a. We have, indeed numerous instances of such usage in the Scriptures.

1. “God forbid.”

2. “If God wills.”

3. “The Lord grant mercy”

4. Etc.

b. These statements may used in right ways . . . not in wrong ways.

6. The Jews regarded the name of Jehovah as ineffable and to this day refuse to pronounce it in Hebrew.

7. It is the profane use of sacred things and names against which the Bible inveighs, all and such expressions as we have mentioned in this consideration of euphemisms and should be rigidly excluded from our vocabularies.

CONCLUSION:

A. The Bible emphasizes the fact that NOT ALL speech is sinful.

B. The writer of Proverbs makes some rather striking statements to drive home the blessings of PROPER speech.

1. – “The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little.”

​ KJV 190020 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: The heart of the wicked is little worth.

2. ; – “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

​ KJV 19001 The preparations of the heart in man, And the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord. 2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But the Lord weigheth the spirits. 3 Commit thy works unto the Lord, And thy thoughts shall be established. 4 The Lord hath made all things for himself: Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. 5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: Though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. 6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: And by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. 7 When a man’s ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8 Better is a little with righteousness Than great revenues without right. 9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: But the Lord directeth his steps. 10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: His mouth transgresseth not in judgment. 11 A just weight and balance are the Lord’s: All the weights of the bag are his work. 12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: For the throne is established by righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh right. 14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: But a wise man will pacify it. 15 In the light of the king’s countenance is life; And his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain. 16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! 17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. 18 Pride goeth before destruction, And an haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: And whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he. 21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. 22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: But the instruction of fools is folly. 23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips. 24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. 25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death. 26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; For his mouth craveth it of him. 27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: And in his lips there is as a burning fire. 28 A froward man soweth strife: And a whisperer separateth chief friends. 29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, And leadeth him into the way that is not good. 30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: Moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass. 31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, If it be found in the way of righteousness. 32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. 33 The lot is cast into the lap; But the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.

​ KJV 19001 Be not thou envious against evil men, Neither desire to be with them. 2 For their heart studieth destruction, And their lips talk of mischief. 3 Through wisdom is an house builded; And by understanding it is established: 4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled With all precious and pleasant riches. 5 A wise man is strong; Yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. 6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: And in multitude of counsellers there is safety. 7 Wisdom is too high for a fool: He openeth not his mouth in the gate. 8 He that deviseth to do evil Shall be called a mischievous person. 9 The thought of foolishness is sin: And the scorner is an abomination to men. 10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, Thy strength is small. 11 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, And those that are ready to be slain; 12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; Doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? And shall not he render to every man according to his works? 13 My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; And the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: 14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: When thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, And thy expectation shall not be cut off. 15 Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Spoil not his resting place: 16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: But the wicked shall fall into mischief. 17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, And let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: 18 Lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, And he turn away his wrath from him. 19 Fret not thyself because of evil men, Neither be thou envious at the wicked; 20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; The candle of the wicked shall be put out. 21 My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: And meddle not with them that are given to change: 22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; And who knoweth the ruin of them both? 23 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. 24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; Him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: 25 But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, And a good blessing shall come upon them. 26 Every man shall kiss his lips That giveth a right answer. 27 Prepare thy work without, And make it fit for thyself in the field; And afterwards build thine house. 28 Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; And deceive not with thy lips. 29 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work. 30 I went by the field of the slothful, And by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, And nettles had covered the face thereof, And the stone wall thereof was broken down. 32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. 33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep: 34 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; And thy want as an armed man.

3. – “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.”

​ KJV 190011 A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

C. The tongue is also capable of great destruction. The Lord’s Word says, in speaking of the tongue, “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!”

​ KJV 19005 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

1. A small fire can start a fire that quickly rages out of control, destroying life, property, and resources.

2. Likewise, the tongue, though small, can ignite the dry timber of suspicion and quickly spread flames which . . .

a. Wreck reputations.

b. Destroy friendships.

c. Break hearts.

D. Solomon advises in – “Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin . . .”

​ KJV 19006 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?

E. In the day of judgment we will face the record of our words. Thus, we need to pray:

1. – “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.”

​ KJV 19003 Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; Keep the door of my lips.

2. – “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer”

​ KJV 190014 Let the words of my mouth, And the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

F. Remember the words of Jesus as recorded in – “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

​ KJV 190036 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

God’s Plan for Man’s Salvation