"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." James 1:26 (NIV)
This Holy Spirit inspired Word of God was written by James, the half brother of Jesus, to the believers in order to encourage them to think before they speak so that they would control their speech. He stated that any religious or God fearing person who did not control his tongue was only deceiving himself and not honoring God.
It would also be better for us today if we would screen and filter our thoughts before we speak. "Purity of heart is often revealed by controlled and proper speech." (John Mac Arthur) Being involved in religious activities just to be seen by others is not worship and it does not honor God. If our speech is about evil things or full of foul language, then we do not honor God. If by our activities and words we present ourselves as God fearing people but in actuality we do not have that conviction within our hearts, then we are living a lie, and God knows the truth and will not be pleased. Out of the mouth come the issues of the heart. (Matthew 12:34, Matthew 15:18, and Luke 6:45) As we think and speak, so we really are. (Proverbs 23:7) So let us think before we speak, and let us pray that the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart will be acceptable in the sight of The Lord God. (Psalms 19:14)
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