01-10-24-ENG.

Subject Summary

The tongue contains so much damaging potential that I’m surprised to find so little teaching on it in our churches, in our books, or in one-on-one discipleship. The tongue can slice and dice someone or ruin a relationship in an instant. Most people have lamented, “I wish I hadn’t said that,” or “I wish that had not been said to me, and in that way.” In fact, the number one reason for relational discord and divorce has to do with the tongue—communication. Over and over again, couples tell me in counseling sessions,

“We just don’t know how to communicate.” If you can learn how to shape your speech, you will have discovered the power to shape your life. But the question remains, how do you shape your speech so that it works for you rather than against you? The answer: Let God. In our contemporary culture, politicians have speech writers. Speech writers are uniquely skilled to craft the cadence of speech, and they know which points to emphasize and which delicate issues to de-emphasize. Speech writers know how to calm people and how to rouse them to action, how to win people over and how to inspire them to support the politician’s mission or goal. The speech writer considers the politician’s topic and audience and then carves out the content, making it palatable to the hearers. God is saying to you and me, “I want to be your speech writer—and I’m the best speech writer around!”

The God of the universe is offering to be your speech writer, and who knows the nuances of your life, work, and relationships better than God? Who knows how to address them better than He does? This is a big deal because words are a big deal to God. Whenever God wanted to create something, He spoke it into existence. He said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. He used words not merely to convey content, but to achieve His purpose and to create something new. God doesn’t speak simply because He is in a talkative mood. His words work out His will. How incredible is that? The God who made your mouth will also fill it. He wants to fill it. We read, “I am Yahweh your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it” (Psalm 81:10).

God will communicate to you so He can communicate through you and accomplish something beyond you. Answer the following questions for personal reflection and deeper study. Feel free to discuss your answers in a group context.

Reflection
1. How often do you go to the Lord and ask for wisdom on what to say?

2. James 1:5 (NASB) says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” The Greek conditional clause is written in a way that lumps us all together. It implies that all of us lack wisdom. All of us need to ask God to give us wisdom. Consider a time when you acted or spoke unwisely. How might the outcome have been different if you had acted or spoken in wisdom?
 
3. The context of James 1:5 has to do with enduring trials. Have you ever noticed that you are more prone to speak hastily or harshly when you are under a lot of pressure? Read James 1:1-4. Based on this context, when is it especially critical to ask God for wisdom?
 
4. Asking God for wisdom in the middle of a trial or in a heated moment can be a challenge. Some people used to tie a string around their pinkie finger to remind them about something they didn’t want to forget. You probably don’t want to walk around with a string tied around your finger, but can you think of something clever—a certain piece of jewelry, a background image on your phone or computer, a Post-it note on your fridge or desk at work, a knickknack in your home or room—to help you remember to ask for wisdom from God before you speak? This can be especially helpful in the emotionally charged moments in life. What can you use as a reminder to take a moment and ask for wisdom?

5. Read 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (NASB): Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; but just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.”

For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.

a. In what way does God reveal His wisdom to us?

b. How can you recognize when God’s Spirit is communicating spiritual thoughts through spiritual words in your life?

c. Give an example of a time when you distinctly recall God giving you an impression or thought. Is there something about this situation that let you know God was speaking?

d. God speaks to each of us in unique ways according to our personalities. Have you identified a pattern of how you hear from God? If you haven’t, ask the Lord to reveal to you His voice on a more regular basis. If you have identified this pattern, write in a notepad or journal the thoughts that come from the Lord so you can recognize His guidance and see more clearly how it comes to play in your daily life. 6. Based on the truths that we have the mind of Christ and that Christ guides us, how important is it to cultivate an abiding relationship with God through His Spirit? What are a few ways you can do this?

Application

1. This week, intentionally seek God’s wisdom with regard to your speech. Write a reminder on a Post-it note, or put one in your reminders app on your phone or on your computer. Wherever you know you will see it often, place a reminder to help you remember to ask God for His wisdom in your words.

2. Pray this prayer each day this week. Father, You are the source of all wisdom. In You are found the correct approach, words, and thoughts that will enable life rather than destroy it. I seek You today and every day and ask for Your wisdom in all that I do and say. Please remind me to ask You for Your wisdom, God, on a regular basis. Help my words to be pleasing to You always. In Christ’s name, amen.

3. Keep a journal this week of the times when you felt the Lord intervene in your speech. It is often good to look back over what the Lord has done in our lives. This encourages us in times of trials. Make it a habit of taking note when He uses your mouth to encourage someone else, speak life into a situation, or offer wisdom. Seek to use your mouth for good and for God’s glory.

4. What are some the ways other people have encouraged you most effectively? What do others say to you that lifts you up when you are feeling down? This might include speaking words of affirmation, texting a Bible verse, or praying with someone. Now, look for opportunities to do the same for other people in your life.

5. Everyone likes to be spoken of highly at some time or another. One way to train your lips to speak life is to include a positive statement about someone when you introduce him or her to someone else. Try establishing this as a habit in your life and relationships. Scripture Memorization and Interaction Read and memorize the following Scriptures on the tongue and our words. Rewrite each passage in your own language as a prayer to God. Or you may choose to simply rewrite the verse in your own words as a way of helping you to remember its content. The first one has been done as an example.

1. “When they arrest you and hand you over, don’t worry beforehand what you will say. On the contrary, whatever is given to you in that hour—say it. For it isn’t you speaking, but the Holy Spirit” (Mark 13:11). Lord, You are a step ahead of me in knowing what I should say. God, because of this, I ask You to intervene. I ask You to help me know whether my words will honor You and move Your kingdom plans forward. Nudge me, God, ahead of time. I give You permission; I invite Your intervention. In Christ’s name, amen.