That I sin not with my tongue

Psalm 39:1 says "I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me." What is this verse telling us? If we take heed to our ways, we won't sin with our tongue. (Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23) Having a walk with God will keep you from lying, cursing, gossiping, and so on. What is a walk with God? A relationship. A life that says "I love you, Jesus." If you don't ever talk to a person, then you do not have a relationship with them. Spending time with God in prayer, reading His word, AND obeying it is what keeps us from sinning with our tongue. A lot of times we just think of sinning with our tongue as cursing. But what about lies? What about gossip? Gossip getting into a church or youth group can stop revival from happening. It hurts and upsets people. If your spirit is right you will be concerned with peoples souls and well being. If your spirit is wrong, you may not care about others and repeat or say things that could hurt them or their reputation. Words can deeply wound people and affect them for the rest of their life. Proverbs 18:8 says "The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly." I get upset when I hear young people in the church talking about other young people. If you know someone is having a problem or struggling, why don't you lift them up in prayer? Why don't you try encouraging them or doing something kind for them? It bothers me that while souls are hanging in the balance there are people that are gossiping. These things should not be so! Gossip sows discord, and that is something that the Lord hates! The seven abominations the Lord hates are listed in Proverbs chapter 6: 16 - 19.

• A proud look
• A lying tongue
• Hands that shed innocent blood
• An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations
• Feet that be swift in running to mischief
• A false witness that speaketh lies
• He that soweth discord among brethren

Among the things that the Lord most hates, a lying tongue, false witness that speaketh lies, and someone that sows discord are all named. People sow discord by what they say and what they do. If you aren't living right, the enemy can use you to sow discord in the church, hurt people, and put a stop to unity. What is the point of the Church? We have a mission, we have a destination to reach: Heaven. If we're talking wrongly or gossiping about each other, we are NOT helping each other to get there. The best thing you can do is get a walk with God and get your heart right with him. When you do, everything falls into place. So, I challenge you: Stand for what is right. Encourage your brothers and sisters in the Lord instead of talking behind their back. Walk with Jesus everyday. Go find someone to believe in and help live for God. If you see someone struggling, pray for them and be a friend to them. Take heed to your ways, that you sin not with your tongue.