Taming Our Tongues

Proverbs 26:17-28

17 Like one who seizes a dog by the ears
is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own.

18 Like a madman shooting
firebrands or deadly arrows

19 is a man who deceives his neighbor
and says, "I was only joking!"

20 Without wood a fire goes out;
without gossip a quarrel dies down.

21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man's inmost parts.

23 Like a coating of glaze over earthenware
are fervent lips with an evil heart.

24 A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,
but in his heart he harbors deceit.

25 Though his speech is charming, do not believe him,
for seven abominations fill his heart.

26 His malice may be concealed by deception,
but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

27 If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it;
if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him.

28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts,
and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Bee's Thoughts:

Yes, our tongues are the most difficult organ to be tamed.

I guess most people use gossip as a way of connecting with others, a common interest in a way. They may or not intentionally try to harm the one whom they gossiped about. Nevertheless, harms can be done, be it to that person's reputation or leaking out secrets.

Another way we might harm others with our tongues is "joking" insensitively. Certain jokes can actually be "Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows" (v18) and hurt someone deeply. It might be too late to say, "I was only joking!" (v19).


Dear Lord,
Thank You for the reminder that I should learn to control my tongue that I will use it to edify and encourage someone, and to praise Your name, instead gossipping or say any insensitive words. Forgive me if I have offended anyone with what I said. Cleanse my lips Lord, right now.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.