The tongue

Ounce for ounce, the tongue is labeled as the strongest muscle in the body. We also know its power goes beyond the physiological. It can be used to comfort the lonely and hurt. It can encourage the weary, bring a smile to the downcast and teach the ignorant. It also has been known to destroy reputations and relationships of all types.

But we can't blame the tongue itself, for the work it does, because it is connected to the brain which is connected to the heart.
"...Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks." Luke 6:45b

In the Bible James compares the power of the tongue to the small rudder on a large ship. Wherever that rudder is turned, (by the captain) the ship goes.
So God, through Luke, is telling us what we already know. That eventually, whatever is in our heart will come out of our mouths. And alot can happen from that.
Sure we can shine others on for a time, but when things get tough we are not able to control our true feelings about a person or situation.

Many times I needed to go back and ask for forgiveness for speaking too quickly or out of turn. It gives the other person the opportunity to forgive and the relationship to continue to move forward.
I admire those who do that (such as my own Chief).

The way to achieve this is to gain knowledge and understanding of God's desire for His people. This in turn will change our thoughts and hearts, thus affecting our speach. This is a necessary step to a more peaceful and honest life.

When I became a Christian at 35, one of the first things to change was my language. It actually wasn't hard to do. Just happened because deep inside of me I didn't want to peak that way for years but didn't have the strength or accountability do to so.

So now I am take additional counsel from God's word to improve me even more ('cause there is lots more)
James gives us one valuable tool to work with. He says;
"...Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger." James 1:19
This is the origin of "think before you speak". This allows us to quickly assess the affect of our possible responses. It also allows us to consult with the Spirit of God and let Him remind us of what we have learned. We weigh our options then we choose (free will). Upon using this counsel I have found myself saying and regretting less. Replace negative words encouraging ones. It is a great way to maintain peace and also improve relationships. Jesus was a true example and master of this. He did not condemn the guilty but He cared for them enought to encourage them to change. when we do this we change also. It is wonderful.

More peaceable relationships is something you want and need. God's word will give you the ability to do that. He wants that for you too.
Learn more about Him and all His desires for each you.

I have added two help links to the face page of this site. These are to help with searching, reading and understanding the Bible more. If you don't read your Bible please start today. If you have in the past return to it. Now more than ever it is important to know what right and wrong truly are and what abundant life looks like, in any circumstance (really). And most of all who God really is and how much he does love each one of us.