THE TONGUE THAT PROMOTES HEALTH

“There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the TONGUE of the wise PROMOTES HEALTH” – Proverbs 12:18

Complementing the Covenants of Health, next to our Thoughts, is a TONGUE THAT PROMOTES HEALTH: “There is one who SPEAKS like the piercings of a sword, but the TONGUE of the wise PROMOTES HEALTH” (Pro.12:18). A person, through words, can be a danger or benefit to self or others. Words Matter! Words can ensnare (v.13). Words can satisfy with fruit (v.14). Words of truth establish, but deceit is fleeting (v.19). God delights in the truthful (v.22). A good word delivers from depression (v.25). We cannot hide under the cover of the Covenant of Health, while misusing the tongue in unfitting speech.

The tongue, if permitted, can be an unruly evil: “…a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell…But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (Jam.3:6.8). True, no MAN can tame the tongue; but GOD who created it, can! Some people only know harsh or toxic words; while others are gracious. Spiteful and hostile speech betrays a bitter and hateful heart. Gentle and kind words reveal a healthy heart.

Wise persons teach their own tongues: “The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips” (Pro.16:23). They also try to avoid being injured by the words or swords of others: “An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire. A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends” (Pro.16: 27-28). Let’s note the vices to avoid: digging up evil; spreading evil like burning fire; sowing strife; and gossiping to cause discord! These are pertinent in relationships: “Better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman” (Pro.21:19). It also matters to whom we invest words: “Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words” (Pro.23:9).

Christians are equipped to speak graciously: “Let your speech be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Col.4:6). It is unchristianly to engage in bitter and biting criticism, harshness, and sarcasm (Eph.4:31-32). Backbiting, whispering, and tale-bearing, create deep piercing wounds and reflect an unfaithful spirit: “The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body” (Pro.18:8; 26:22). The golden rule is to speak to others as we’ll have God speak to us. Beloved, let your speech be: acceptable, soft, a tree of life to others, timely, living, fitly and beautifully spoken, in line with scriptures:

“The lips of the righteous know what is ACCEPTABLE, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse” (Pro.10:32).

“A SOFT answer turns away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger” (Pro.15:1).

“A WHOLESOME TONGUE is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit” (Pro.15:4)

“A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a WORD SPOKEN IN DUE SEASON, how good it is!” (Pro.15:23).

“Death and LIFE are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Pro.18:21)

“A WORD FITLY SPOKEN is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Pro.25:11).

The Lord Jesus Christ epitomises amazingly gracious speech: “Grace is poured upon Your lips; therefore God has blessed You forever” (Psa.45:2b); “So all bore witness to Him, and marvelled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth…” (Lk.4:22a). Wise persons learn to tame their tongue, moderating words to bless others. Speeches can cause bleeding or blooming. God expects us to speak respectfully and honourably at work and at home (1Tim.6:1-2; 1Pet.3:7).

Ask yourself: “Do others love talking with me, because it is pleasant and profitable? Or do they avoid me, being afraid of harsh and painful words? Words influence our destiny and affect our health – positively or negatively: “PLEASANT WORDS are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and HEALTH to the bones” (Pro.16:24).