Taming the Tongue
Author: Pastor Thomas G. Wilson
April 14, 2020
Ephesians 4:26-27,29-32 KJV [26] Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: [27] Neither give place to the devil. [29] Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. [30] And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. [31] Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: [32] And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Words are powerful. Harsh, angry, vengeful words many times cause irreparable damage to the people they are cruelly unleashed on. There is an old proverb that says “When you are in the right, you can afford to keep your temper; when you are in the wrong you cannot afford to lose it.” Anger always comes out in what you say.
There are 3 levels of destructive communication identified in this verse:
- Clamor – this is translated from the Greek word “krauge” which means “outcry, scream, or shriek”. This refers to yelling or shouting in anger. Did you know that yelling is impersonal, violent and emotionally damaging
- Evil speaking – this is translated from the Greek word “blasphemia” which means “slander, speech injurious to another’s good name.” This is damaging speech that is intended to tear down the honor and reputation of someone. You make them look bad and yourself look good.
- Malice – from the Greek word “kakia”, which is depraved, wicked speech that is designed to injure and is not ashamed to violate all boundaries and trust in the process. This kind of speech is venomous and will stop at nothing to leave a deep unforgettable wound.
We all must control the tongue. Anger can be resolved without excessive volume, insults or profanity. First and foremost there must be sensitivity to grieving Holy Spirit. Wicked words against others, the text says grieves Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches that we are to be filled with, led by, taught by, comforted, strengthened and empowered by Holy Spirit. This intimate fellowship with Holy Spirit is the hallmark of genuine relationship with Christ and true discipleship. The characteristics of a deep personal constant fellowship with Holy Spirit inspired kindness, tender heartedness and forgiveness. When your spirit is in harmony with Holy Spirit, then your tongue will speak with gentleness, compassion and graciousness. Edifying speech of this kind opens the door for Holy Spirit to work in the heart of the offender to be able to admit they made a mistake or ask for forgiveness for their wrong. Reconciliation should always be the goal and Holy Spirit inspired speech creates an atmosphere where it is not awkward or intimidating to be vulnerable and honest.
For further reading: Gal.5:22-25; Rom.8:26-27; 1Cor.2:9-12
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