The Tongue is like the Rudder of a Ship

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The Bible calls us to use our words to uplift other people. However, many Christians use their words to tear down other people. They should say nothing.

 

 

OVERVIEW

 

The Bible calls us to use our words to build hope and joy, to uplift and inspire.

However, many Christians use their words to argue or complain, to spread fear or attack or tear down other people. They would be better off to say nothing.

The ancient Greek philosopher Xenocrates put it this way:

I have often repented speaking, but never of holding my tongue.

Are you able to refrain from speaking? If so, you will save yourself from lots of troubles in life.

 

BIBLE VERSES

 

Psalm 34:13. Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking lies.

Psalm 39:1. I said, “I will watch my ways, so that I don’t sin with my tongue. I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me.”

Psalm 141:3. Set a watch, LORD, before my mouth. Keep the door of my lips.

Proverbs 13:3. He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Proverbs 21:23. Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

Micah 7:5. Don’t trust in a neighbor. Don’t put confidence in a friend. With the woman lying in your embrace, be careful of the words of your mouth!

 

Sirach 28:13. Curse the whisperer and double-tongued: For he has destroyed many that were at peace.

 

James 1:26. If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn’t bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this man’s religion is worthless.

James 3:4.  Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires.

James 3:5. So the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small fire can spread to a large forest!

James 3:6. And the tongue is a fire. The world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by Gehenna.

 

RESOURCES

Quote by Xenocrates found at AZ Quotes

 

SEE ALSO

The lips of the Wise spread Knowledge. Wise people freely share what they know.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotations on this page are from the World English Bible and the World Messianic Edition. These translations have no copyright restrictions. They are in the Public Domain.