Taming the Tongue

Scripture:
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." – Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

Devotional:

This week, I want to share something that has been both eye-opening and encouraging for me. My friend Shuvern recently gifted me a little book called 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue: What You Say (and Don’t Say) Will Improve Your Relationships. It’s a short read, but its impact is powerful. The author walks through 30 different “tongues” we need to tame—like the lying tongue, the flattering tongue, the manipulating tongue, the hasty tongue, the belittling tongue, the meddling tongue, the boasting tongue and yes of course the gossiping tongue.

Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Our words have incredible influence—they can speak life or they can destroy. James 3:5–6 paints a sobering picture, telling us the tongue is like a fire—small, yet able to set an entire forest ablaze. This is why watching our words matters so deeply in our relationships.

The Bible is the one book that is infallible—it never changes. What God says will be the same yesterday, today, and forever. That’s good news we can stand on. If we could tame our tongues to speak in truth, our words could become the hope and encouragement someone desperately needs. As I was reading this book, I realized that when we operate with an “untamed” tongue, it’s often rooted in pride, pretense, or artificiality. Recognizing that truth allows us to address not only the words we speak, but the condition of our hearts.

Let’s be intentional about planting good seeds with our words—seeds of love, truth, and encouragement—so that what grows in the lives of those around us reflects the heart of Christ.

Reflection Questions:

• Which “untamed” tongue do you recognize in your own life that you need to surrender to God?
• How can your words this week intentionally speak life into someone’s situation?
• What scripture can you meditate on to help guard your tongue?

Prayer:
Lord, help me to be mindful of the words I speak. Let my tongue be an instrument of life, truth, and encouragement. Remove any pride or pretense that keeps me from speaking in love. Fill my heart with Your wisdom so that my mouth overflows with grace. Amen.

This Week’s Women of Worth Challenge:
For the next seven days, commit to a “Tongue Fast.” That means you will:

• Pause before you speak—ask, “Will this give life or take it away?”
• Replace one negative, critical, or gossiping comment each day with a sincere word of encouragement.

By the end of the week, journal what you noticed—about your relationships, your mindset, and even your heart.