A Lying tongue or an untruthful speech

8-August 2011 

 “Speech is the index of the mind." A person's character can be described by the way they use their tongue.

Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44), You know he wanders to conquer the world and “…he has so filled your heart that you have lied. (Acts 5:3) thus the  evil thoughts we imprint in our mind  comes out as hurting words. "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." (Mathew. 12:34)

 From where the lie originates: Bible states

“Even from birth …from the womb they are wayward, spreading lies. Psalm 58:3

“They make ready their tongue like a bow, to shoot lies; Jeremiah 9:3

Lies are an awful way to create our traits.

              1.  Lie  is hateful in the sight of God: 

The Holy Spirit is identified as ‘the Spirit of Truth’.  Satan, on the other hand, is ‘the Father of Lies’. 

 “The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.’ Proverbs 12:22 .

God said that he hates a lying tongue (Proverbs.6:17).and “all liars… will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. (Revelation 21:8)

2.  It damages others:

It has been said that ‘no physician can heal the wounds of the tongue’. The Words uttered purposefully to hurt the feeling of others. We damage others by our gossips, tale-bearing, back-biting, whispering rumours ,false accusations, loose and unfair talks, murmuring, and unfair criticism- the list is endless.

Beware !

“  A fortune made by a lying tongue 
   is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. Proverbs 21:6

"Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth. 
They have taught their tongues to lie;  they weary themselves with sinning". Jeremiah 9:5

“…….they speak arrogantly against the righteous.” Psalm 31:18

3. It is harmful to ourselves:

 The danger of building lies are multi-dimensional and  we are liable to lose our integrity, our self-respect, any resemblance of good conscience. 

‘An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble.’Proverbs 12:13 

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit". Proverbs 18:21

 “careless talk costs lives”. Even knowing this if you cannot tame your tongue which attacks others,then you are supposed to be   a murderer  and you have to face the consequences.

“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Proverbs 21:23. ‘Let their lying lips be silenced,( Psalm 31:18) and whoever pours out lies will perish. (Proverbs19:9)

Bible says clearly the grave end of liars:

 “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices” Colossians 3:9

“keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:13)

. …..who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?

chrysanthemum @ Tirunelveli- Tamil Nadu

The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the LORD; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; 
 who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken. Psalm 15:1-5

              Praise the Lord

Variations of tongue

7-August 2011  

           In the world human beings  have a double-edged device at his command, ie  the tongue-  which is always  biased  and  to  be used as either a constructive tool or a destructive weapon -  It necessarily protects, or destroys, irrespective of caste, race, color, creed. and religion-  either   rich nor  poor.

          We witness in human interaction the misuse of the tongue in its various forms. It is common to see people who gossip and betray one another, or people who verbally and openly abuse each other in all possible manners.

         The world does not understand that the Bible—God’s Word teaches about 

·         what we have to say, 

·         how we should say and 

·         when we have to say etc.

        Today one of the major causes for misunderstanding in the family and society is the lack of control on the tongue.

What an evil tongue do? 

         The tongue is a sharp razor and a sword, often driven by bad mood. When someone is in a bad mood, it is reflected in his speech and human relations.

      “You who practice deceit, your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor. You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth. You love every harmful word, you deceitful tongue!-Psalm 52:2-4

 The tongue has enormous impact on the traits of a person. we have to move away or hide from the wicked people, who let their tongue loose to wander without any check.

“Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked from the plots of evildoers. They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows .Psalm 64:2-3 

King David understood the dangers of the tongue and compared it to the poison of  a vipers the most poisonous snakes in the world. Erroneously used words or careless loose talks may be as dangerous as the venom of a poisonous snake.

              “They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s 

                the poison of vipers is on their lips. Psalm 140:3

Words hurt people emotionally just as snake poison hurts people physically.

              “Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious,

                but fools are consumed by their own lips.” Ecclesiastes 10:11

Dahlia @ Kodaikanal-Tamil nadu

 Take control of your tongue.

  Be careful before you speak. 

  Once the words poured out carelessly may cause injuries to others. 

  Use diplomacy. 

    Be tactful. 

     Be kind and Considerate.

                                                                                         

It is Impossible to Tame the Tongue

6- August  2011  

A rapidly spreading fire needs quick, sustained and disciplined action. We can tame the wild beasts but still no human being can tame his/her tongue.

 “…. Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully. 
   With their mouths they all speak cordially to their neighbors, 
   but in their hearts they set traps for them…” Jeremiah 9:6.

Why is that so?  Because

1.      the tongue is a restless evil, untamable, inherently unstable and,

Ø   even when brought under control, always prone to do evil.

Ø   hence forth continually be watchful over your tongue.

2.      the tongue is  full of deadly poison. 

·         keep the lid on the poison, always covered

·         watch continually- discipline your tongue

·         Self-discipline is to be practiced actively and diligently,

“…tongue is an arrow shot out; It speaks deceit; One speaks peaceably to his neighbor with his mouth, But in his heart he lies in wait. Jeremiah 9:8

 “… tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, working   deceitfully”. Psalm 52:2

            

“They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.”Psalm64:3-4

 Since the human mind and heart are cunning,-

“They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows. 
They shoot from ambush at the innocent; they shoot suddenly, without fear.

They encourage each other in evil plans,....Surelythe human mind and heart are cunning. Psalm64:3-6

”Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.  Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” James 1:19-21.

Begonias -Flower Show @Kodaikanal-TamilNadu

“The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, 
But He loves him who follows righteousness. 

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless”. James 1:26

 

                                  Praise be to God

Warning about the Tongue

5- August 2011 

“All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”  James 3:7-8

•  Lions, horses and camels and other creatures have great strength lives in wilderness  and have been tamed and governed by men.
• birds, which fly their wings  continually high and  out of our reach, cannot be controlled unless caged.
• Snakes and all reptiles with their venom and their cunning nature, have been made familiar and harmless.
• All sea creatures have been taken by men, and made useful to mankind.

These creatures have been controlled nor tamed by constant training and practice. They are not only being tamed, but are tamed by mankind

.

You know, the tongue is worse than all these creatures, and cannot be tamed by the power and art. No man can tame the tongue without the grace and assistance from the Lord Almighty. It is impossible and extremely difficult. Therefore it requires great watchfulness, alertness, sacrifice, and prayer, to keep it in order and of course under control.

The tongue is quick to break through all bounds and rules, and without the utmost care .it will spit out its poison, on one occasion or other, and kills the person

.

           “The tongue has the power of life and death, 
            and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs.18:21

It has to be watched, guarded, and governed, as much as an unruly beast, or a hurtful and poisonous creature. Care is needed to prevent the mischievous out- breakings of the tongue.

          “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, 
           but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” Proverbs. 13:3,

While worshipping God, we make use of our tongues in prayer and praise. So keep it from cursing, condemning, and everything that is seems to be evil.

“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.” James 3:9-10

Begonias in my garden @ Tirunelveli-Tamil Nadu

 If you leave your tongue loose without any control or without self discipline,

                  You are deceiving yourself and others.

….. Crucial Influence of the Tongue

4 August 2011….. Crucial Influence of the Tongue

 “….the tongue is a small part of the body, Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell”. James 3:5-6

      A right management of the tongue helps to govern the person in a great way. An unruly tongue spreads the most harmful evils. It is compared to a little fire placed among explosive matter, which raises a flame and consumes everything in and around it.

…..“The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It …corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire… James 5:6

         The tongue has abundance of sin; it may be called as a world of sin.

 “Do not let your mouth lead you into sin…Ecclesiastes 5:6.

“Let their lying lips be silenced, 
   for with pride and contempt 
   they speak arrogantly against the righteous. Psalm 31:18,

         The traps into which we are led by the tongue are insufferable to ourselves and also destructive to others

“A lying tongue ……and a flattering mouth works  ruin”. Proverbs26:18

              A fire is a destructive force, it has far-reaching damage to be inflicted by the uncontrolled tongue affects your whole course of life. The tongue has a blazing power to destroy.

           The destructive fire is a fire of hell, employed in by the devil- called as a liar, a murderer, an accuser. Whenever our tongues are used in destructive ways, they are set on fire of hell.

         The fire of hell produce—anger, hatred, futile arguments, abusive words, insults, lies, and everything that would kindle the fire and  serve the purposes of the devil.

      When the Holy Spirit comes down, Bible quotes;

“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them”. Acts 2:4

      Where the tongue is guided and formed upon by a fire from Heaven, there it encourages good thoughts, words, love, tolerance and friendliness, etc

Flowers@kodaikanal-Tamilnadu

“Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.” 2 Timothy 2:16

“May the LORD silence all flattering lips and every boastful tongue—those who say,  By our tongues we will prevail; our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?” Psalm 12:3

         All the activities in the society are often thrown into confusion and misunderstanding, and all is on a fire, by the tongues of men around us, and influences the course of life

        Get the Grace to hold your Tongue!

…..Controlling Tongue

3 AUG 2011 …..Controlling Tongue
Most of the matters which develops a snag are due to mismatch of tongue- control management.
“…..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. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:5-6

Controlling of one's tongue is a strong decisive matter, which influences the entire life.

In the Bible, book of James states the basic principle:

              If you control what you say,

                 you can control the rest of what you do.

We stumble in many ways – starting from the simple speaking of everyday matters to a meticulous speech to be delivered,which demands taming  of our tongue, It  seems to be crucial and  makes it presentable.

“…… I will watch my ways 
and keep my tongue from sin; 
I will put a muzzle on my mouth 
while in the presence of the wicked.” 
So I remained utterly silent ,… Psalm39:1

The Wisdom and Grace which we receive from our heavenly Father, enable us to control our tongue  and in fact it will enable us to rule all our subsequent actions and reactions.

“When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. James 3:3-4

The horse's bit and the ship's rudder- illustrates the action to do with steering of the strong forces, to move in a straight path. They emphasize the volume of the accomplishment – a strong deal which can be compared taming our tongue amidst crisis, which depicts   the magnitude of the tongue's influence and the need to control it. The more fast and vigorous the tongue is, the more should we take care to manage it. An unruly tongue will spoil  itself and others  who have no command over it.

Under the influence of the Grace of God, bridle the tongue, and then all the actions of the whole body will be easily guided and taken control of.

Brayant Park@ Kodaikanal-TamilNadu

“In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; 
you keep them safe in your dwelling 
 from accusing tongues.” Psalm 31:20

Positive attempt should be made to speak clearly, it will help us learn goodness in  our actions and  in  our words. Take care in your speech behavior because it has a strong impact on other areas of your activities and on your personality.

 If you want purity, transparency and Christ likeness to characterize your life, consider this valuable secret.

·        Start with your tongue!

·        Try to tame it!

·        Take charge over it!

…no weapon forged against you will prevail

2 August 2011 …no weapon forged against you will prevail

It is always common to stumble upon a lot of envious and resentful people hanging around us- 

always apparently gaping to gulp down.   

It is for no reason people 

·         may plan to put you down or

·         neglect you or

·         devise a secret plan against you or

·         sometimes we are made as a coin to be tossed between people with evil tactics .

   BE bold – if you trust JESUS:

     “….no weapon forged against you will prevail, 
      and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. 
      This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, 
      and this is their vindication from me,”  declares the LORD. Isaiah 54:17

 

 Of course we cannot be isolated from this world where we live. But  when God ‘s presence  and His fire- wall of protection is with us, No evil power can  touch or hurt us.

 Make these verse your own: and claim and pray, victory is yours…..

    “They will fight against you but will not overcome you,

      for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 1:19

 

    “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the

      LORD.” Jeremiah 1:8

 

      “When the enemy comes in like a flood, 
      The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19

 

Remember that all who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; …. you can search for your enemies, and  you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. 

 “For I am the LORD your God 
  who takes hold of your right hand 
   and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. 
   Do not be afraid…..” Isaiah 41:11-14

 “Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; 
   though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.” Psalm 27:3

           This is a  very strong promise, 

on which you  can rely upon and claim:

White lone- flower.. beautifully survives  among dried fern leaves
@ Kodaikanal-Tamil Nadu

“The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.” Deuteronomy 28:7

                                        PRAISE THE LORD.