“The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth” (Proverbs 10:20).
I find a very strong tie between the heart and the tongue in the above verse, and in fact, through all of Scripture. You can tell Peter's heart when he cursed, can't you? Fear, anger, confusion. The inner man releases his thoughts through the mouth. Take a look, also, at a passage within our latest study book:
"So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” (James 3:5).
I like the words written by Wayne Gruden about this subject:
He first gives a list of verses and then deals with the issue in a pretty sensible summary:
"...we are also commanded to maintain a reputation for cleanliness:
ESV Titus 2:10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
ESV Ephesians 5:4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
ESV Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
ESV Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
"Using the words commonly thought to be offensive in the culture seems to me to be sort of the verbal equivalent of not wearing deodorant and having body odor, or of going around with spilled food on our shirts all the time. Someone might argue that not wearing deodorant or wearing dirty clothes are not morally wrong things in themselves, but my response is that they do give needless offense and cause others to think of us as somewhat impure or unclean. So, I think, does using words commonly thought to be "obscene" or "offensive" or "vulgar" in the culture generally. Plus it encourages others to act in the same way. So in that way it brings reproach on the church and the gospel."
Well done, Mr. Gruden.
Gruden's letter was posted on the website title Desiring God
John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org
