For many years, doctors would take a close look at the tongue of a patient in order to determine his health. The ability of many doctors to diagnose various illnesses simply by checking the tongue is amazing. While physicians gauge the health of an individual by the tongue, the great Physician can gauge the health of the soul by the tongue. In relation to how the tongue speaks, Jesus said, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil things” (Matthew 12:35). Often, we can get a good idea about a man’s character by the way he speaks. Our speech is very important. Not only does our tongue reflect the health of our soul, but the health of our soul influences the tongue. Paul spoke often about the proper use of the tongue, and James places a great deal of stress upon controlling the tongue (Eph. 4:25, 29-32; James 3:1-12). Not only can your corrupted soul defile your tongue, but your tongue can defile your clean soul. Oh, the importance of the tongue! So much so that Jesus stated, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). So, while you are living day by day, don’t forget to check your tongue!
– by Michael Pickford