Overcoming StrifeSample

Day 2: The Tongue, a Releaser of Strife

The Bible tells us clearly that strife and bitterness are door-openers that invite every evil work to run rampant and destroy. Fortunately, you can overcome strife to prevent widespread destruction in your relationships with family and friends.

First, you must realize that the devil will incite distractions to lower your guard so that he can find access. For this reason, it is important for you to guard your heart, mind, life, and relationships against the devilish intruder of strife. Second, you must set a guard over your mouth so the devil cannot provoke corrupt communication and ensnare you with your own words.

Proverbs 10:19 tells us, “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” A paraphrase would be, “Where there’s a lot of talk, there’s a lot of sin, but when you learn how to control your mouth, you’re smart.”

This verse and many others remind us that if your tongue is uncontrolled, you are going to get into trouble, but if you learn how to discipline your mouth and keep your tongue in check, you will avoid unnecessary problems and prevent a lot of strife in life.

James 3:2 tells us, “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.”

Notice that James uses the word “offend” twice. In both cases, it means to stumble, to err, or simply to mess up. He is literally saying that in many things we all mess up, but if any man does not mess up in word — meaning in speech or in what he says — that man is a perfect man.

That is quite a statement! According to James 3:2, a perfect man is one who doesn’t mess up in the things that he says. This word “perfect” is the Greek word that depicts a full-grown adult. It implies the process of transitioning from youthful immaturity to full-grown individuality and maturity, and in the New Testament, it depicts people who are spiritually mature individuals.

Here, James is telling us that all of that comes from learning to control your mouth. Real spiritual maturity is not measured by how we preach, and it’s not measured by how we prophesy. Spiritual maturity is measured by what we say and what we do not say. If you are watchful over the things you say, then this verse affirms that you’re reaching a state of spiritual maturity. In fact, the Bible says if you can handle your mouth, then you can “bridle the whole body.” If you can control your tongue, then you can control anything in your body or in your life.

If you think you’re spiritually mature, then this control should be demonstrated in your life. According to the Bible, we should be taking part in polite, appropriate speech — the exact opposite of corrupt communication. The tongue can benefit society and cause it to advance, or it can create and provoke divisiveness and war, so examine yourself today to see which you are releasing.

For Your Consideration:

• Malicious words of criticism, sarcasm, gossip, and ridicule are the vilest types of evil communication because they transmit the hatred and rebellion of Satan himself. What kind of words are coming out of your mouth?
• You may not think you are speaking evil words, but are you being influenced by any? If so, take heed and make a change quickly — neither the hearer nor the speaker of malicious words will go unscathed!