For Starters

Unless we yield our tongues as tools of good for God, Satan will use them to his own advantage, and to our spiritual detriment. Some people take pride in that they have the gift of gab, but beware! What spirituality such people have, could quickly dribble away by means of their mouth.

James says, "Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark." (James 3:5, NIV). It's worth putting our spiritual brains in gear before we engage our mouths.

So, What's the Story?

Lying--Lying is one of those things that we hate in others but somehow seems more justifiable in ourselves. Yet, God forbids it: Lev. 19:11/ Psa. 120:2/ Prov. 12:22 / Eph. 4:25 / Col. 3:9 / Rev. 21:8. Why?--Num. 23:19 / 1 Sam. 15:29 / John 8:44.

Gossip--Again one of those things that we hate when it is about us (and we all know its definition when we are the unfortunate object of it), but we have a hard time recognizing it when we are gossiper or are the ear for a gossiper. Gossip is basically telling negative or unflattering things (things that might hurt or destroy reputations) about other people that are EITHER true or untrue. God isn't pleased with those who talk like that: Lev. 19:16 / Rom. 1:29 / 2 Cor. 12:20 / Prov. 16:28 / Prov. 20:19. Prov. 16:28 is especially enlightening and gives an important warning, "A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends." (NIV).

Swearing (profanity, cursings, and offensive language)--It is used all around us today, although it was never heard in polite company in years past. This makes it all the more difficult to identify it, but God clearly commands that our lips not be sewers: Eph. 5:3,4 / Pr 12:23 / Pr 15:2. Notice especially Col 3:8, "But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips." (NIV). Profanity is defined as speaking of something holy as if it were common; for example using name of the Lord as something to say when you smash a finger in the door is profanity. Cursing is to wish someone a grave ill, often that they should be damned for eternity. Our language is full of "throw away" phrases that wish this curse upon others: "Go to ----" or "--- you" are examples. Offensive language includes the use of loaded or offensive terms for something that has a less offensive word. The "s-word", "f-word", and others would be just a few of the coarse, offensive, or impolite words that are sometimes used.

Discouraging words--Pessimistic or discouraging words are also condemned by God. Eph 4:29, for example, says "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." And as Israel wandered in the wilderness those who spoke discouraging words were often the recipients of God's punishment. "Cut downs" are also in the category of discouraging words. And although many might see nothing wrong about "cut downs", we all quickly realize that it isn't just fun and games, when we are on the receiving end of the little darts. There can be times when such fun can be wholesome, but it ceases to be good when anyone gets their feelings hurt.

So What?

* What do you think of James 3:2,12 in view of all the things we've spoken about in this lesson?
* Which of these things do you think people at work have the most trouble with? Which of these things do y ou think we have the most trouble with in your family?
* Define the idea of lying. Is it necessary to tell "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth" in order not to lie? Can we lie without using words? Do you think that it is ever OK to lie? When and under what circumstances?
* What words (swearing) do you take offense at that are used all the time by others? What words do others think are offensive that you don't think are so offensive? Why? If it is offensive to someone else, does hat we shouldn't use that word as a Christian? Why or why not?