BAD-MOUTHING

There are many scriptures that teach and warn us of the danger in bad-mouthing. James says, “And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.” (3:6)

Then Proverbs has several warnings as well: “The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” (Proverbs 21:23) Or, “The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble.” (Proverbs 12:13) And, “Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.” (Proverbs 13:3) So it is clear that bad-mouthing can cause big trouble, but we all know how words can damage and rarely can they be recalled.

Bad-mouthing is not an issue of the mouth or tongue before it was an issue of the mind, heart, soul, body, conscience or feelings. What goes on there, or doesn’t go on there, is what comes out of our mouth. It was a critical mind before it was a critical remark.

Fortunately, James also speaks of the positive mouth: “But no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.” (3:8-12)

Yippee! I went 2 hours without saying something ugly… that’s some good-mouthing…

“But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart…” Jesus