Every human being has at his command a double-edged device, one that can be wielded as either a constructive TOOL or a destructive WEAPON. It is found among people all around the world, within every race, color and creed. It is found among the rich and the poor. It is found in our schools and on television, and permeates every facet of society.

This device is not necessarily good or bad. Actually, it is sometimes a protector of good and other times, it destroys. It can build friendships but also devastate them.

What is it? The tongue!

You witness the misuse of the tongue every day. Whether it is your classmates who gossip and betray one another, or people who verbally abuse each other, you see it all the time!

The wrong use of the tongue is found on television, in the news media and in nearly every human interaction.

The world does not understand that the Bible—God’s Word—teaches much about what we say, how we say it and when to say it. But you can understand. If you are going to be an AMBASSADOR, you must stand above those who do not have any connection to God and His Church.

The tongue is dangerous, and you must be aware of its dangers. Because of your human nature (Rom. 8:7), you are prone to using your tongue in wrong ways, for the wrong purposes.

Yet, at the same time, what you say has GREAT POTENTIAL. All teens need to continue to build this potential. There are many blessings that will come with the right use of your mouth. Quite frankly, you cannot begin to imagine all the possibilities and potential of the tongue.

Remember, before beginning this Bible study, be sure to get your Bible and look up every scripture. Take the time to write out the scriptures. Be sure to take notes on what you will learn. This will help you to remember these scriptures and principles, which will have a direct effect on how wise you become. It would also be beneficial to make notes in your Bible.

(1) Where in the Bible is this tool—the tongue—thoroughly explained? James 3:3-10.

The apostle James summarizes the power of what we say. When you read these verses, try to fully comprehend what these analogies are saying.

Speaking is an everyday occurrence. Normally, you would not consider the tongue to be described in the way found in the book of James. Yet this is what God says—these are His words. All that is found in God’s Word is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (II Tim. 3:16).

The main point of this passage in James, which sets up the rest of study, is that our words have a great effect. Like the comparison of a small rudder, which steers a ship, the tongue has enormous impact. Clearly, as explained here, the tongue is evil, but in what way?

(2) What is an evil tongue? What does an evil tongue do? Psalm 52:2-4; 64:2-3; 140:3; Ecclesiastes 10:11; Romans 3:13-14; Proverbs 11:11; 10:14.

The tongue is compared to a sharp razor and a sword. People, often driven by some sort of bad mood, are continually sharp in what they say to others and how they say it. You have seen it, and we all have done it. When someone is in a bad mood, it is reflected in his speech and human relations.

One must realize the possibilities and the tendency to be sharp, and take measures to change. Use diplomacy. Be tactful. Be kind and considerate. Take control of this tool, which can be so dangerous.

King David understood the dangers of the tongue. He compared it to the poison of adders and asps, two of the most poisonous snakes in the world. Have you ever thought that words, if used wrongly, could be considered as dangerous as the venom of a poisonous snake?

Comparably, words hurt people emotionally just as much as snake poison hurts people physically! Often, people do not take the time to think about what they are saying, and whether or not they may be hurting others.

(3) Is gossip a fruit of evil speaking? What does God think about gossip? Proverbs 11:3; 16:28; 17:9.

People LOVE to gossip and spread rumors! Most certainly, your friends at school gossip. They then try to spread such little pieces of information as “facts.”

There are two wrong elements in gossiping and spreading rumors: Those who do this are clearly wrong, but so are those who listen. Do you fall into either of these categories? You should take the opposite approach and not spread gossip and rumors.

When a friend comes to you with a little bit of information about somebody, ask yourself: “Am I listening to gossip?” If so, politely ask your friend not to tell you such stories.

(4) Is flattery another fruit of the misuse of the tongue? Daniel 11:34; Job 32:21-22; Psalm 5:8-9; Proverbs 20:19; 26:28; 29:5.

Daniel 11:34 is talking about our time now, when people will “cleave to them with flatteries.” Sincerity is sorely lacking in human relations today!

Flattery is another way that the tongue can be used for evil. People flatter teachers and bosses continually. Every office today has people continually politicking and flattering, seeking to climb the corporate ladder.

(5) What is another element of an evil mouth? Deuteronomy 5:20; Matthew 5:37; Ephesians 4:25, 29, 31; Psalm 31:18.

The Ninth Commandment states, “You shall not bear false witness,” which is to lie. The Ten Commandments are the foundation of God’s Law—His way of GIVE! When someone lies to another person, it is not giving, but rather getting for personal gain.

In Matthew 5:33, Christ instructs us to keep our word. Do not just tell someone that you will do something, but be certain that you follow through.

(6) The Bible says that there is “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak” (Ecc. 3:7). But does it matter HOW MUCH you say? Proverbs 10:19; 13:3; 18:13; 29:11, 20; Ecclesiastes 5:3; 10:14; James 1:19; Matthew 12:36-37.

There are numerous verses that exhort us to speak LESS and listen MORE! This is because humans naturally say too much. Due to a low emotional maturity level, people usually just say what instantly comes to mind, without even thinking. Reacting to emotion, it is easy to just say things—to just blather.

The whole concept of “Think before you speak” is nearly non-existent. Are you able to stop and think before you speak? Have you tamed your tongue? Do you find yourself saying things that are not necessary—that are “idle words”?

(7) What is the end result—the final outcome—of an evil tongue? Psalm 12:3-8; Proverbs 18:7.

The wrong use of our mouths is most serious to God! Many have no idea that what they say is important. From this point on, you must realize that the Creator of the universe cares about what you say—and you must also care.

Also note that God’s words are purified seven times, and He tells us to follow His example! Ultimately, those who are not able to control their mouths will experience the inevitable outcome—DESTRUCTION.

(8) How can you properly use your tongue and prevent misusing it? Proverbs 4:24; 8:13; Psalm 39:1; 77:12; 119:27; Ephesians 4:25, 29; Colossians 4:6.

We are commanded to put away and get rid of any wrong use of the tongue. Determine to not be a part of the wrong uses, such as gossiping, lying, flattery and cursing. Guard your mouth and “keep [it] with a bridle.” Take time each evening to examine your past day and see where you slipped and said something wrong. Improve and build on each day. What we say is important for our own well-being, for others and, most importantly, to God.

King David, who was considered a man after God’s own heart, understood what to talk about—God’s laws, principles and statutes!

When one is trying to overcome an issue that involves the mind, it is commonly said that in order to succeed, he must remove the wrong thought and then replace it with right thoughts. The same principle applies to speaking. Not only must you strive to empty your mouth of every evil speaking, you must also strive to fill it with the opposite.

(9) On the other side of the coin, what is the potential of using your tongue correctly? Proverbs 25:11; 10:11, 20-21; 14:3; 15:1; 18:21; Psalm 15:1-3.

Every aspect of speaking and the tongue is not evil. Certainly, our words can be used to help others. Too often, it is the other extreme, but the potential is there. God’s way of life can be simplified into one word—GIVE. All that we say needs to be thought about and said from the perspective of helping others. Before you speak, ask yourself if you are fulfilling God’s Way, and helping and giving to others.

Our actions must show that we are living God’s way of life—and so must our words. Notice: “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34). This directly ties what we are to what we say. Our speech and words should show an attitude of selflessness—of esteeming the needs and concerns of others above our own.

Do your words portray this? Are there any areas in which you can improve?

In summary, remember that your tongue—what you say—is very important to God. Naturally, as explained in James 3, the tongue can do great evil. Strive to keep your words and speech soft and gentle, reaching out to others, rather than being sharp and cold.

Strive not to gossip, flatter, lie or misuse the tongue in any other way. Instead, use it to help others and build friendships and relationships. Notice: “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile (I Pet. 3:10). If you want a good life, control what you say!

What you say is very important to God—determine to improve what you say. Examine yourself daily and make changes.

Finally, notice two verses: “DEATH and LIFE are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (Prov. 18:21). Also notice Deuteronomy 30:19: “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore CHOOSE LIFE, THAT both you and your seed may live.”

It’s your choice—choose well!