“Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart; he who does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor does he take up a reproach against his friend” (Psalm 15:1-3).
In The Epistle of James, the Bible warns that our tongues must be controlled, for with it we are able to speak both good and evil. The tongue is compared by James to a fire from hell defiling the body. He goes on to describe it also as, an unruly evil, full of deadly poison, which can not be tamed. (James 3:9, 10) “With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things should not be so.”
There have been many people who have been destroyed in the church because of Satan’s use of the tongue. He (Satan) can start ugly rumors among believers in Christ that ultimately get passed on through gossip in His church, which according to his plan divides Christians. We should pray that God allows us to discern good from evil and we speak healing not hurtful words! As the Holy Spirit controls our tongues we speak truth, edification, healing, and encouragement. Let us call upon the Holy Spirit for His leading.
Today’s society has unfortunately allowed “white lies” to be tolerated. Many problems we have in business and our personal relationships today could be avoided if we didn’t tolerate them. God not only wants us to tell the truth, He commands it! The apostle Paul told the Ephesians to always speak of wisdom and grace. “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:25, 29).
Proverbs says the tongue can be controlled and used for healing. A good concordance can help you become more enlightened and in control of what you speak. Look up words such as answer, words, lips, mouth and tongue. Then, pray for the Holy Spirit to help you resolve each day with: “I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress” (Psalm 17:3).
Lastly, gossiping and speaking “white lies” about someone else no matter what the circumstance can be very destructive. We must not do this! During World War II there was a popular saying concerning wartime gossip that declared; “Loose Lips Sink Ships!”
Let’s ask God to remove any careless tongue-wagging from us now, and heal any tendency we may have to allow our tongue to speak against another person. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart / Be acceptable in Your sight, / O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).