Perverse Talk and Corrupt Speech

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Proverbs 4:24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

 Our tongues possess the power to either bring life and healing or inflict pain and destruction. Through the words of Solomon, we will reflect on the dangers of perverse talk and corrupt speech and learn how to guard our tongues with wisdom and grace.

I. What it means. 
Perverse talk refers to words that are twisted, distorted, or deceptive in nature. It includes dishonesty, manipulation, and deceitful language. Perverse talk breeds mistrust, breaks relationships, and undermines the foundation of truth. It goes against the principles of integrity and honesty that our Lord desires for us.

Corrupt speech encompasses all forms of offensive, impure, and harmful words. It includes gossip, slander, profanity, insults, and any speech that tears others down. Corrupt speech not only damages our relationships with others but also tarnishes our own character and reflects a lack of respect for the sacredness of human communication.

II. The Consequences of Perverse Talk and Corrupt Speech:
a. Strained Relationships:
   Perverse talk and corrupt speech sow seeds of discord and division among people. They destroy trust and create emotional distance, leading to broken relationships within families, friendships, workplaces, and even within the body of Christ. Instead of building bridges, our words become stumbling blocks that hinder unity and love.

b. Negative Impact on Self:
   Our words have a profound effect on our own souls. When we engage in perverse talk and corrupt speech, we are allowing negativity, bitterness, and wickedness to take root within us. Such speech pollutes our hearts and distances us from God, hindering our spiritual growth and robbing us of the joy and peace that comes from a life lived in alignment with His will.

c. Accountability Before God:
   We must remember that every word we speak is accounted for by our loving Heavenly Father. Jesus Himself warned us in Matthew 12:36, "I tell you, on the day of judgment, people will give account for every careless word they speak." Our speech reveals the condition of our hearts and reflects our relationship with God. Therefore, we must be conscious of the impact of our words and strive to honor Him in all our conversations.

III. Guarding Our Tongues:
a. Seeking Wisdom:
   Proverbs 10:19 reminds us, "When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent." It is essential to cultivate wisdom and discernment in our speech. Let us seek God's guidance through prayer, meditation on His Word, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, that our words may be seasoned with grace and truth.

b. Speaking Life:
   As believers, we are called to be channels of God's love and encouragement to others. Our speech should reflect the character of Christ, who spoke words of healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Let us use our words to build others up, to offer comfort and hope, and to bring glory to God in all we say.

c. Practicing Self-Control:
   James 1:26 warns us, "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless." Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can develop control and discipline over our tongues. Before speaking, let us pause, reflect, and consider the impact of our words. Let us resist the temptation to engage in perverse talk or corrupt speech and instead choose words that edify, encourage, and inspire others.

d. Accountability and Restoration:
   We must hold ourselves accountable for our words and be willing to seek forgiveness when we have spoken inappropriately. Additionally, let us create an environment of accountability within our communities of faith, where we can lovingly correct and restore one another when we stumble in our speech. By doing so, we foster an atmosphere of grace, growth, and transformation.

Conclusion:
The power of our words should not be underestimated. Perverse talk and corrupt speech have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only our relationships with others but also our own spiritual well-being. Let us heed the wisdom of Proverbs 4:24 and commit ourselves to guard our tongues, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to speak words that bring life, healing, and reconciliation.

May we be a people known for our gracious speech, demonstrating the love and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ in every conversation. As we surrender our tongues to Him, may our words reflect His character and contribute to the building of His Kingdom on earth. May we be instruments of blessing and agents of change through the power of our words, always giving glory to God.

God bless you.

Prayer key:

1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of today in Jesus Christ name

2. Lord, guide my tongues and help not to bring evil to myself and people around me through my tongue in Jesus Christ name.

3. Lord, let the words of my mouth be seasoned with grace always in Jesus Christ name.

4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.