The Potent Tongue

Read Proverbs 4

Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.

Proverbs 4:24

We all know that our tongues are powerful. Through them, we have the power to build up a hurting friend or to mercilessly tear down those who have offended us. But do we realize that the words we speak reveal the true character of the innermost depths of our hearts? There is a direct connection between what we say and who we actually are.

Jesus said, “For whatever is in your heart determines what you say” (Matthew 12:34). So, when we engage in “perverse talk” and “corrupt speech,” we show the very sinfulness of our own hearts. In order to “avoid,” we may have to consider the company we keep. Our prayers should echo the psalmist’s: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

A WORD FOR TODAY

Be absent from certain conversations.

Today, Lord, change my heart so that the overflow of my lips is pleasing to you.