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Taming the Tongue: Chapter 3

Memory verse:

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth, but only as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it might give grace to those who hear.”

Ephesians 4:29

Questions for discussion:

1. Which one (or maybe top 3!) of these sins of the tongue can you identify as a prominent issue in your own life? (Gossip, slander, criticism, sarcasm, boasting, flattery, deceit, angry words, grumbling, judgmental, cursing, or careless words).
2. Compare and contrast gossip and slander. How do they relate to our natural tendency to enjoy stories?
3. How can our sarcasm and joking be used to tear others down? When, if ever, is it appropriate?
4. What does scripture say that we should boast in? Is it wrong to talk about your accomplishments?
5. How can you bridle your tongue when you’re angry?
6. What is the core sin behind our grumbling?
7. Is profanity really that big of a deal?
8. How can we be proactive about preventing our tongues from leading us into sin?

Scripture to ponder:

Proverbs 18:20-21

“For the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat it’s fruits.”

James 4:11-12

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.

James 3:9-10

With it, we bless our Lord and Father and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

Proverbs 27:2

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger and not your own lips.

Psalms 12:2-4

Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts, those who say, “With our tongue we shall prevail, our lips are with us; who is master over us?”

Philippians 2:14

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”