“But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” – James 3:8

No person can tame the tongue, that’s what the Bible says.

God knows the damage the human tongue can have in our daily lives.

The tongue can be used for good as well as for evil.

The Bible says the tongue is full of deadly poison.

Poison, when introduced into the human body, will attack other parts of the body.

The effects of poison vary depending on the amount, and potency of the poison.

Some poisons are quick in attacking the nervous system. Others will paralyze either momentarily or permanently, and in some cases, will cause death.

That’s why we have have to be so careful with our tongues, because it’s so easy for us to spread poison unintentionally to others.

Why Does God Compare the Tongue to Poison?

The reason why God compares the tongue to poison is because He knows firsthand the damage of the evil tongue.

The poison inside the human tongue will attack another person spiritually.

It can result in the death of a friendship, the end of trust, or a bad miscommunication between you and another person.

As Christians, we’re not in the business of destroying, but in building up others.

“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 4:29

Some People Are Filled With Evil

God knows the evil inside certain people.

God knows some people will make up lies about others due to jealousy or hate.

Sometimes these people want to harm other people’s reputation or to create a biased perspective about them.

God warns us about practicing this type of evil.

We have to be careful not to lift an accusation against another person without the proper evidence to support our claim.

Even sharing our biased assumptions with others can turn out to be poison.

We all have the right to express our opinions.  However, creating lies won’t accomplish anything, or help anyone.

At the end of the day, God knows the truth, and His justice will prevail!

“A perverse man sows strife,  and a whisperer separates the best of friends.”

-Proverbs 16:28

Beware of Gossip at Work

When you engage in conversation with your co-workers, make sure you stay clear of this particular trap of the enemy.

The devil wants to spread as much poison and hate as possible (especially inside the church).

Why?

Because it brings more room for sin. Sometimes it can cause serious sin, like murder.

Shooting poison about people is no joke because it has spiritual consequences.

This includes lies about people or assumptions about events or motives. Don’t assume you know why someone did this, or why they said that.

“Assumption is the lowest type of communication,” says Pastor Steve.

Find out the facts before you go telling people things that might not be true.

In some cases, even if you have the facts, it’s best to express yourself with the right person that can give you a Godly perspective about the situation.

Choose to confide in someone that’s mature in the LORD, and that can help the situation, instead of making it worse.

What if What You’re Saying is True?

It’s true that some people are hypocrites, and so you think you’re justified in talking about that person.

When this is the case, you’re not the only one who can see it. Most people can see it too, except the hypocrite himself.

There’s no need to tell the next person about what you discovered.

Would you be building up the body of Christ by telling the next person?

Let God deal with the situation on His time, and for His purpose.

Whenever you discover something about someone, is it really that serious that you have to tell the next person?

What do you resolve by telling the next person?

Do you tell the next person because you want to help the person you’re talking about, or is it because you want someone to agree with you?

“Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure.”

-Psalms 101:5 

How About if What’s Said About You is a Lie?

The Lord hates a false tongue.  He will deal with the people creating these problems.

“You shall not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.”

-Exodus 23:1  

If you ever hear things about you that are false, then you have nothing to worry about.

The earthly realm might condemn you, but in heaven, Jesus knows the truth. Ultimately, that’s what truly matters.

We are children of the most high God.  We will trust in the Lord, and watch our tongue from evil gossip.

The only friend you can always trust is Jesus. Tell Him how you feel about that certain person that’s bothering you.

He’ll tell you to first remove the log in your eye so that you can see the situation with the right perspective.

Always remember that misunderstandings are likely to happen since we are sinners.

Friendly Advice About Gossip

As followers of Christ, we don’t want to be known for gossiping.

Instead, people should want to come talk to us about GOD, not about other people!

We all fall into this trap by nature.

We express ourselves to our friends and family members about how other people make us feel, or about what we think about them.

In all of this, we must always remember that God loves the next person just as much as He loves us.

Let’s not let our ways of expression offend the LORD in His sovereignty.

Let’s pray that God would help us stay clear of this trap that so easily entangles us, destroys relationships, and leads to sin.

Remember… you might be doing the devils job without you knowing!

Be wise in your conversations.

Edify your brothers and sisters, and love them the way God loves you!