A WHOLESOME TONGUE

MEMORY VERSE: A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit (Proverbs 15:4).

A wholesome tongue heals.

A perverse tongue wounds.

Dr. H. A. Ironside wrote: "How much more common is the tongue of perversity than the healing tongue! The one separates brother from brother, and makes breach upon breach; the other binds together, giving cheer and gladness, and is a tree of life to those who meditate upon its utterances. The healing tongue is the tongue of the peacemaker. The perverse tongue belongs to him who sows discord among brethren. May it be ours to covet the former and flee the latter."

What does a peacemaker do?

He forgets the gossip that he hears about others.

When the faults of his friends become the topic of discussion, he maneuvers the conversation to another subject.

When he hears something negative about another, he doesn't feel it his duty to report what was said.

When he is approached by two who are at odds, he refuses to allow his ear to become a dumping ground for criticism.

When he hears a complimentary comment concerning someone, he is eager to pass the good word along.

He is willing to meditate between those who are in a disagreement.

He has understanding about the weaknesses of all people, but doesn't major on them.

He would rather discuss ideas or events than people.

He is swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath (James 1: 19).

A spiritual person is a peacemaker.

Blessed are the peacemakers!