The Pilgrim Path---Proverbs 10: 19, 20

When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth.

“CHOICE SILVER”

We live in the age of brutal, biting words. People have always used their “lips” as weapons---but technology has magnified and multiplied our words. We also give vent to our emotions in “posts” and attack people as if no one is listening---when everyone happens to be listening. Everywhere folk are assaulted: politics, education, medicine, HOA---even the church. The Holy Spirit’s answer: “Pull out the BEST Silver.” Use your tongue to enrich the lives of people---rather than condemn them (that is the devil’s business). Oh, it is not cute to mimic godless people in their behavior. It is tempting, but not the standard to which we are called. Help us ALL--- Living Christ-- with our words! Tame our tongues for your honor and glory!

“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. “ Psalm 34: 13, 14

“… no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil. Full of deadly poison.” James 3: 8

“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” James 1: 26

THE TONGUE

“The boneless tongue, so small and weak,

Can crush and kill,” declares the Greek.

“The tongue destroys a greater horde,”

The Turk asserts, “than has the sword.”

A Persian proverb wisely saith,

“A lengthy tongue---an early death.”

Or sometimes takes this form instead:

“Don’t let your tongue cut off your head.”

“The tongue can speak a word whose speed,”

The Chinese say, “outstrips the steed.”

While Arab sages this impart:

“The tongues great storehouse is the heart.”

From Hebrew hath this maxim sprung,

“Though feet should slip, ne’er let the tongue.”

The sacred writer crowns the whole,

“Who keeps his tongue doth keep his soul!”

Philip B. Strong

From John Calvin: So long as we do not look beyond the earth, we are quite pleased with our own righteousness, wisdom, and virtue; we address ourselves in the most flattering terms and seem only less than demigods.

From Charles Haddon Spurgeon: Gossip---There’s so much dirty linen in our own house needing to be washed that none of us need to take in our neighbor’s washing.

From Amy Carmichael: As the needs of all living things must, we have proved that it is a very safe thing to trust in the LORD our God.

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason