The Great Tongue Test

This is something my bible study group will do starting tomorrow. I'm excited to try this: this kind of experiments are really eye opening.

Day One: Silence

Here’s the challenge: See how little you can say in 24 hours.

In every situation, ask yourself, “Will what I say make a difference?”

James 1:19-21 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

James 1:26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

Day Two: Asking Questions

Here’s the challenge: Once your silence test is over and you’re ready to use some words again, Just Ask Questions.

Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Ecclesiastes 3:7b …a time to be silent and a time to speak.

I Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, is not proud.

Mark 10:46-52 and also James 1:19 again

Don’t you love it when other people live out these Scriptures around you? Who impresses you more, the person who frequently shares their resume or the person who asks about yours? At our core, we want to be known and appreciated.

Day Three: Speaking as if Your Subjects are Omnipresent

Here’s the challenge: Only say about people what you would say to their face.

That goes for everyone: your family, roommates, professors, bosses, or anyone else you tend to talk about.

Ecclesiastes 10:20 Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird of the wing may report what you say. (Solomon even extends this principle to how we talk about people we may never meet!)

Psalm 101:5a Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence.

Proverbs 10:18 He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.

Proverbs 11:9 With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape.

Proverbs 11:12 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.

You’ll likely find that simply holding your tongue is the best response when you’re living with the (realistic) assumption that everything you say will get back to the person about whom you’re talking.

Day Four: Making Only Positive Comments

Here’s the last test: Say only constructive things. The point of this day is to look for opportunities to bring healing through your words. It doesn’t just mean refraining from hurtful comments. It means only saying things that help-deliberately choosing to bless instead of curse.

Proverbs 12:18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 10:31-32 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.

Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.

Proverbs 29:20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

I Peter 3:10 Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue form evil and his lips form deceitful speech.

Proverbs 22:11 He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.

I'll keep you updated on how things go.