The Tongue

According to the Bible, the tongue is a spiritual barometer. Consider these verses:

Matthew 15:17-18
Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.

Luke 6:39 basically says the same thing.

James 1:26
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Also see James 3 on the power of the tongue.

Matthew 12:34 and Luke 6:45
"...out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks."

Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

What can you say to this? It is convicting for sure. But what we say starts in the mind, and the mind needs to be renewed.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Oh, how we need Jesus! We need to be renewed daily so that our flesh is crucified more and more. Because the only way to please God is by faith, and that can only be done by the Spirit. Thank God He provides what he requires!