Doctors often test our physical condition by the state of our tongue. For example, Dr. Ryan Kauffman, M. D., ear, nose, and throat specialist said: "Without even asking, I can tell by checking one's tongue, if a patient is well-hydrated, a tobacco user in any form, uses a retainer, has a autoimmune disease, and the list goes on." With a deeper significance, the tongue is a register of our spiritual condition. Our words are an index of our moral and spiritual health. If our words are unclean and untrue, it is a sure index of spiritual sickness. In other words, a foul tongue and mouth is a sure sign that it is not allied with a sanctified heart.
 
We have become a vulgar and foul-mouthed society. Proverbs 21:23 says: "Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from trouble." Proverbs 12:18 says: "The tongue of the wise promotes health." Proverbs 15:2 says: "The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness." Psalms 34:13 says: "Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit." We are to avoid evil not only in deed, but also in word, with our tongue and lips. (Matt. 12:34-37). Today, truth is becoming a scarce commodity, and we are told that everybody lies and practices deceit, so we need to get over it. But God's standard says: "Therefore, put away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor." (Eph. 4:25).
 
Don't you tire of hearing vulgar, foul, and nasty language? Such is an index into the person's character. Again. Ephesians 4: 29 says: "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification that it may impart grace to the hearers." Colossians 3:8 says: "Put off filthy language out of your mouth." Psalms 39:1 says: "I will guard my ways lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain (curb) my mouth with a bridle (muzzle)." Thus, what is the character of your speech? What does your words indicate? What kind of health is seen in your tongue?

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Dennis Abernathy