The Power Of The Tongue

Proverbs 12:13-22
Mike Maglish

Part of True North

July 16, 2026

“Speak when you are angry, and you’ll make the best speech you’ll ever regret.” 
- Ambrose Bierce 

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. —Matthew 12:36–38

Words have INCREDIBLE POWER.

An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble. From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him. —Proverbs 12:13–14Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. —Proverbs 18:21Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. —Galatians 6:7

My Words ALWAYS produce SOMETHING.

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult. Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. —Proverbs 12:15–20Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. —Galatians 6:7

My MOUTH reveals what’s in my HEART.

No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble. Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. —Proverbs 12:21–22Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 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. —Ephesians 4:28-29Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. —Colossians 4:6Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. —Ephesians 4:15-16

My SPEECH should reflect God’s CHARACTER.

Takeaway: The Gospel TRANSFORMS my heart, and transformed hearts SPEAK differently.

Before you say anything ask…

1) Is it TRUE? (Eph 4:25) 
2) Is it HELPFUL? (Eph 4:29) 
3) Is it NECESSARY? (Proverbs 10:19) 
4) Is it LOVING? (Eph 4:15) 
5) Is it GOSSIP? (Proverbs 16:28) 
6) Is it GOD-HONORING? (Proverbs 12:22) 

If you put this into practice…

How many arguments would never happen? 
How many marriages would grow stronger? 
How many children would hear more encouragement than criticism? 
How many friendships would be restored? 
How many businesses would be strengthened? 
How many people would see Jesus more clearly? 
How many infant Christians would be nurtured?