Sometimes, when I preach or teach, I write these words on the top of my notes.
WATCH YOUR MOUTH!
I have imperfectly taken these verses to mind and heart.
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. Ephesians 4:29
Those who guard their lips preserve their lives,
but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. Proverbs 13:3
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2-3
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:15
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23
The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18
"The things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them." Matthew 15:18
"I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak." Matthew 12:36
But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Colossians 3:8
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. James 3:9-12
He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed. Proverbs 3:34
BEWARE OF STREAM-OF-CONSCIOUSNESS THOUGHTS.
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 19:20
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. James 1:26
I suggest: print these Scriptures out. Carry them with you for a season. Meditate on them.
Ask God to grow them in your heart.
If one verse stands out to you, assume this is the Holy Spirit speaking to you. Carry this verse with you, repeating it often.
Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you how to speak the truth, in love.
If your mouth has done harm rather than good, repent, before the Lord. Confess, to the ones you have hurt.
Do not embrace the false, demonic belief that you won't be able to express truth unless you hate.
DECLARATIONS from these VERSES
- When pressure is applied to my heart, the best of Jesus comes out.
- The only words that come out of my mouth are words that build people up, not tear people down.
- I have placed a guard over my mouth, so I don't speak rashly and ruin relationships.
- I am patient with others, because the Lord is patient with me.
- I bear with others, because the Lord puts up with me.
- My consuming goal is unity of the Spirit.
- I speak truth in love. I care for others as I speak truth.
- I prayerfully, while seeking God, guard my heart. There are thoughts I do not allow my heart to entertain.
- No unwholesome talk comes out of my mouth.
- People come to me, because my words build them up.
- I speak no careless, thoughtless words.
- I am over hating people.
- I never slander people.
- No obscene, unholy talk comes out of my mouth.
- I cannot curse other people, because even if they don't know Jesus, they are made in the image of God.
- I pray and ponder things before I open my mouth.
- I have put a bridle on my mouth, and allow the Spirit to guide my words.
Attack ideas, not people. This is one example of truth-speaking, in love.
