For in many things, we offend all. If any man offend not in word; the same is a perfect man, and is able also to bridle the whole body – James 3:2.

The tongue, the moveable, muscular structure in the mouth, is used for eating, tasting, and speaking. The tongue is also used to say words that heal or destroy.

Viper Tongue – Job 20:16 – He shall suck the poison of asps [cobras] the viper’s tongue shall slay him.

Wicked people will one day be recompensated for words spoken and actions committed. They say words that humiliate, hurt, and destroy a person’s character and faith. They speak intentionally to harm people. Their words will return to them as a viper, stinging and destroying them. So as a man soweth, shall he reap.

Flattering Tongue – Psalm 5:9 – For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness [destructive]; their throat is an open sepulcher, they flatter with their tongue.

Throat as an open sepulcher describes the perverse language used by people in opposition to God. The Apostle Paul used these words to argue the depravity of people – Romans 3:13 – Their throat is an open sepulcher: with their tongues, they have used deceit, the poison of asps is under their lips.

In showing humanity’s total depravity, Apostle Paul describes the evil that can come from the throat, tongue, lips, mouth, feet, and eyes. The throat reveals the corruption inside, the spiritual decay. The lips are like the fangs of an asp, they contain deadly poison. Many Christians have murdered people, not physically, but with their tongues. They have murdered people’s character, faith, confidence, and relationships.

Proud Tongue – Psalm 12:3 – The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips and the proud tongue that speaketh proud things.

The Bible describes people as Christians or wicked. Because the wicked do not submit to any authority over them neither the authority of God. They believe they can say anything they want to whom they want. Proud tongues also like to talk about all their accomplishments, their bank accounts, homes, cars, etc., Nothing is wrong with accruing any of these things, but to be boastful and proud, making others feel little as though they are not as good as you is pride and God hates pride.

Lying Tongue – Proverbs 6:17 – A proud look, lying tongue, and hands that she innocent blood.

God dislikes lying, lying is an abomination to Him, meaning He hates lying. Lying is one of the characteristics of Satan, and we know that he is the father of lies. As Christians, we must consciously, speak the truth at all times even if it means telling the truth will hurt us, but by speaking the truth, God will be with us to bring us out with the victory.

Deceitful Tongue – Psalm 120:2 – Deliver my soul, O Lord from lying lips, and a deceitful tongue.

Deceitfulness is one of Satan’s characteristics and it shouldn’t be in Christians. We know the truth from a lie. We know that God hates lying lips and deceitfulness. As Christians, we don’t carry actions or words to be the opposite of God’s character.

King David was deceitful when he summoned Uriah to come to him and tell him all that had occurred in battle after he slept with his wife. He knew what he had done was wrong, but he acted as though he was concerned about Uriah and the battle. Sending food to Uriah to go home and dine with his wife, hoping he and his wife would come together as husband and wife so that he could cover his sin and Uriah would think the child was his.

Forward Tongue – Proverbs 10:31 – The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward [perverse] tongue shall be cut out.

A forward tongue is a perverse tongue that deviates from what is considered right or good. Christians should know the difference between right and wrong, truth and a lie. A forward tongue would hinder our relationship with the Father, and cause those who watch us to be confused about Christianity.

Naughty Tongue – Proverbs 17:4 – A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips, and a liar giveth ear to a naughty [destructive] tongue.

When Christians can listen and take heed to people that are liars and deceitful there is some spiritual decay in them. The Holy Spirit will let you know when people are lying, He will show you their fruit. That’s how we determine a Christian from a non-Christian by the fruit they produce. Christians don’t listen to gossip nor do they gossip. We don’t allow others to place their garage in our ears to defile our hearts and spirits.

Christians are to be Christ-like in character. We have the Holy Spirit of God living within us, and we should be an example to the world of what is true Christianity. Daily we seek to please Him in our speech, words, and actions. We use our tongues to edify and not destroy.