Surrendering the Tongue

Reflection

There’s an old saying that I grew up hearing: “I can show you better than I can tell you.” Basically, it means that our actions carry more weight than our words. And in many ways, I love that sentiment, but the truth is, what we say often reveals more about us than we realize.

As believers, we may focus on the obvious things, avoiding profanity or not using God’s name in vain, but the tongue has so many other ways of dishonoring the Lord. Just think about how often we use our words to manipulate, to puff ourselves up, or to gain control over others. In Psalm 12, the psalmist speaks of people who say, "With our tongue will we prevail" and "our lips are our own." These words reflect a heart that is rebellious, that seeks to control or influence others, often for personal gain, with no thought to God’s authority over every part of their lives.

Words can be powerful. They can tear down or build up, they can flatter or deceive, and they can be used as weapons of pride and manipulation. But the reality is that God is Lord over even our tongues. The Lord reigns over every part of us, our actions, our hearts, and yes, our words. He sees how we use our speech, and He desires that we use it to bring honor to Him, not to manipulate or to speak from pride.

God’s Word says that He will cut off flattering lips and the tongue that speaks proud things. He will deal with the prideful, the deceitful, and those who use their words for selfish gain. But for us, as His children, He wants our words to reflect the heart of Christ; humble, kind, truthful, and loving.