Biting Your Tongue

Biting your tongue, or “holding your tongue” is a well-known expression in many languages. People have learned through the centuries that there are situations where it is better to be silent than to speak out. This has prevented many arguments and conflicts.

“Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” Matt. 15:11. We can be quiet, keep our mouths shut, and it can be very appropriate! But the big question is, who is permitted to speak to us in our innermost being? What should fill our heart?

Jesus teaches us: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45. In other words, it is possible to have an evil treasure inside you, with bitter, egotistical, hostile, condescending thoughts. Such evil has its origin in the flesh with its lusts and desires. Therefore, access to it must be radically shut off! If that doesn’t take place, an evil storehouse will be created in your heart over time!

“Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom. 6:11. Then the words of Satan within a person will also come to an end. Then you will drive him away from the door of your heart! You don’t have to listen to him. You have been redeemed and have your own free will to choose who will be permitted to speak in the depths of your heart!

To be alive to God in Christ Jesus means to hear His voice, to listen to Him, to obey Him and His word. Jesus wants to speak to us with His word and through His Spirit. It is so good and necessary to listen. First be quiet, and learn from Him!

“Help me wait and seek Thy will, Lord; help me to speak and to be still, Lord.” we sing in verse 3 of WotL 333.

Yes, we must truly learn to be still and learn to speak. May we all understand how important our words are, even more so for those who are close to us. There is a power in the word, because there is also a spirit that accompanies our words. May we have the grace to speak the words that the Master has helped us with in our situations. 2 Cor. 1:3-5. The song goes on to say: “Help me words of grace impart each time I meet a troubled heart.”

Let us more than ever be determined to learn from Christ so that we can find the right words for our fellow human beings: God’s living word bringing comfort, encouragement, exhortation and guidance! 1 Cor. 14:3.