Integrity of the tongue

Integrity
The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.

Integrity of the tongue
The quality of using your tongue and speech to be honest and words reflecting moral principles and uprightness.

When I go on vacation I take lots of time to think. I love sitting outside in the warm morning breeze and a cup of strong Kona coffee, listening to the birds and looking at the chickens. Taking time to listen to the still small voice of my Lord and contemplating the deep things of His word.

Today Psalm 15

Lord who can dwell in your tent? I want to….
He who walks with integrity and does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue…..

That is just the beginning of the list David shares. The clear direction of who can dwell in Gods tent.

I’ve been speaking with a friend lately about the power of words and the slanderous tongue. I have been guilty of loose lips and it is an easy quality to see in others. Our world spends so much time on and so many words in slander. I heard The Lord give me the nudge to shore up this area of my life that I may reflect His righteousness and that only truth and words of life pass through my lips. Let it be.

It starts with your heart. Only speak truth in your heart. In your attitudes, reactions, plans and motives. Fill your heart with Gods word. Let it be THE filter of your tongue.

When it comes to passing on information to others, let it pass these gates:
1. Is it confidential? If so don’t share it.
2. Is it true?
3. Is it necessary?
4. Is it kind? Does it serve a wholesome purpose?

If my words do not pass these tests, they are to be held between The Lord and myself. For cleansing, correction and healing. For prayer and discernment. For protection against the waywardness of my fallen self, that God may be be glorified and that my tongue would only show the overflow of His righteousness in my life.

Holding our tongues to be tools of integrity and not swords to wound.

I think it just got a whole lot quieter in my life, how about yours?