mouth

A group of young boys came running into the library and sat near to me. Chattering loudly among themselves, they broke the good silence in the library. I said "Can you guys please keep quiet in the library?" Without any hesitation, one of them retorted "What's the mouth for?" I thought for a second, he's got a point! So, besides the general functions of eating, drinking and talking, is there more to it (the mouth) as a gift from God?
(Note: In this passage, the word "mouth" includes the tongue.)

In the old testatment, God and man spoke to each other directly. The mouth was given so that man can sing praises and worship God, for communication with God. However, man sinned and due to the sinful nature of man, the mouth which only praises God then, now also spew ill words against man. This should not be the case. (James 3:10)

Although the mouth is a small part of our body, it plays an important role in our lives. It translates out thoughts into words understandable by another person (who knows the same language). The mouth acts as the spokesman of our hearts and mind. It is the "exit" point whereby our thoughts are expressed and made known to whoever we want.

From experiences, we know that we can bring joy or harm to another with just our words. Yes, that is the ability of our mouth. And in today's living, our words include all modes of expression - spoken (by voice or sign language) and written (manually or electronically). Thus, it is importatant to be mindful of what we say, especially as a Child of God.

God has specifically given us some lessons on our tongue (meaning our mouth). One of which is found in the book of James Chapter 3. The tongue is described as a restless evil; full of deadly poison. It is also liken to a spark of fire which can burn great forest.

Here God is teaching us that the words coming out from our mouth if left to our sinful nature, can be vicious and potent which can cause harm to others and our lives.

The list of what the sinful mouth can say is lengthy. Just to name a few :
allegation, betrayal, curse, discouragement, envy, filthy language, gossip, hypocritical, instigation, jealousy, lies, slander, violence........etc

Example : A little gossip or false remarks can become rumours which sow discords between friends. If left uncheck, it may even result in fights and broken relationships.

The point to note is that if we are thoughtless and unwise about our speech, we may hurt or create unnecessary trouble among our friends and family. On the othe hand, if we put our mouth to good use (saying the right words at the right time and place), blessings can overflow far and wide.

Example : Godly words of encouragement or advice can save a person from making a wrong decision or unnecessary trouble. Tactful words prevent quarrels. Words of positive attitudes and respect can enlighten the down-hearted.

The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life but a deceit tongue crushes the spirit. (Pro 15:4)

Let us also take note of what our Lord Jesus has said about our mouth. In Matt 15:16-20, the Lord said that what goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean', but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him unclean.

He is telling us that the food we eat does not make us sinful because whatever enters the mouth (food) goes into the stomach and then out of the body. But the things that come out of the mouth (words) come from the heart which makes the man sinful. "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man 'unclean; but even eating with unwashed hands does not make him 'unclean'.

How to be mindful of our words?
As mentioned earlier, the tongue is only the "spokesman" of our thoughts and our thoughts come from our hearts. Therefore, we have identified the root of it all - our hearts.

If we have ill-thoughts (of someone) and let it rules our hearts, we will speak ill-words (to him) and cause ill-effects. As Christians, we can suppress the ill-thoughts by praying to God about it and allow the Holy spirit to be in charge of our hearts. With God's help, our ill-thoughts will be overcome with the love of God and ill words will not flow out from our mouth. The process sounds simple enough but it takes effort and constant practice to make it part of our lives.

The good man brings out the good stored in him and the evil man brings out evil things out of the evil stored up in him. (Matt 12:35)

Many a time, people take offence over very trivial matters. Such offence taken can lead to arguments and then quarrels. Sometimes, even a joke can burst into a fight instead of laughter. But the Lord's servant must not quarrel. God tells us to be kind, able to teach, not to be resentful. In fact, we are to pray for those who are against us.

God tells us not to use our mouth in godless chatter because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Also, we are to avoid foolish controversies, arguments and quarrels as they are unprofitable and useless.

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God (filled with love). Our conversation to be always full of grace, seasoned with salt. At the same time, we should also know when to keep our mouth shut. "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent and discerning if he holds his tongue." (Pro 17:27)

We should not slander one another; also not to speak ill against another or judge another. This is against God's Law. When we judge (or criticise), we are not only judging the Law, not keeping it and worst of all, we act like the Judge (God). But who are we to judge another person? (James 4:12)

As our hearts are responsible for the words from our mouth, we have to get rid ourselves of the negative (unclean) feelings such as anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from our lips. Also, not to lie to each other (Col 3:8-9) as our Lord detests lying lips (Pro 12:22). We must not allow such negative feelings to grow in us so much so as to dethrone the Holy Spirit in our hearts which then lead us to speak sinful words.

Since we have been renewed in the knowledge in the image of God (Col 3:10), we should clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience and bear with each other in reverence to God and His love for us.

Let us make it a point to be cautious with our mouth. With our mouth, we will offer to God our prayers, thanksgivings, songs & praises of worship; confessions and petitions. With the same mouth,we shall learn to speak more words of encouragement, sharing and teaching God's love - all for the glory of God which is also beneficial to man.

So when we speak (the next time), remember Eph 4:29 :
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

It is advisable to set a 'self check' mode in your heart to keep 'unclean' thoughts under control. And when you feel like saying anything unwholesome do also remember the warning from our Lord Jesus :

'For by words you will be acquitted and by your words you will condenmed.' Matt 12:37

This is a serious warning, so let us mind our language!

God bless us all. Amen.

Irene