The early Christians faced a problem that still exists even today - a problem that has not diminished at all. This is the problem of the use of the tongue (James 3:7,8).
How many of us today might say, "If there were one problem I have that I could get rid of, it would be the problems that my tongue continually create."? How many times have we wished that we could take something back which we had said?
Corrupt language. Corrupt language comes in many forms.
1) Profane (vulgar) language (Colossians 3:8). Swearing with fowl, filthy, dirty words. This kind of language can only suggest a corrupt mind in those who use such words. God-fearing people ought not to desire to be around people with such language.
2) Using the name of God in vain (Exodus 20:7). Many people cannot complete three sentences without using God's name or Jesus' name in a vain sort of way. To use God's name as a form of cursing ought to be considered by all as no less than appalling.
3) Euphemisms. Words such as "damn, goldurn, golly, gosh, by golly, goodness knows, my goodness, gee, geez, heck" are all just "softer" replacements for other obvious curse words. Phrases such as "What on earth?", What in the world?", "For Heaven's sake!" ought to be similarly avoided because of what Jesus taught us about swearing by the name of Heaven, or by the earth, or by any other thing. (Matthew 5:34,35; Matthew 12:36,37).
Damaging language
1) Malicious (hateful) words. Such words ought to never be used by the Christian. Such words evoke an attitude that should not be a part of the Christian's life (Proverbs 10:18; Proverbs 26:20-23).
2) Loose (careless) words (Ecclesiastes 5:2). Some words are used not to intentionally caused damge, and yet the choice of words may not be the best and damage may result anyway. And so we must continually strive to choose or words wisely. We must try our best to not say things that we will regret - things which may hurt another.
"He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool."
Proverbs 10:18"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."
Colossians 4:6
James 3:7,8
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.Colossians 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Matthew 5:34,35
34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.Matthew 12:36,37
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.Proverbs 10:18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
Proverbs 26:20-23
20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.Ecclesiastes 5:2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
