Week Six, 2026
“If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain” (1 Timothy 6:3–5).
When was the last time your words got you in trouble? What happened as a result? Controlling our tongues is one of the hardest things to do in life. It is incredible the kind of trouble our tongues can create for us. It is a small muscle, but it can create large trouble for us and for others. We all must be careful of what we say and how we use the gift of speech that God has given to us.
Controlling your tongue means practicing mindfulness in speech. Pause to think before speaking. Choose words carefully to build up rather than tear down. Avoid impulsive, harsh, or negative talk to improve relationships and spiritual life.
Like a small bridle can move a big horse or a small rudder can turn a large ship, the tongue is powerful. It can literally change the world. Proper use of the tongue is a key to living a life that is pleasing to God. If we can master it, we can master our entire body. It can do great good or great damage. If we can control our tongue, we will not have any trouble controlling the rest of ourselves. It is the most difficult assignment that we will ever have. Mature Christians don’t have to look back with regret at what they have said.
Think Before Speaking: Pause for a few seconds, breathe deeply, and ask if your words are true, necessary, kind, or helpful.
Be Slow to Speak, Quick to Listen: Cultivate patience and give others space to talk, rather than rushing to interject.
Focus on Positivity & Edification: Intentionally speak words that encourage, build up, and bring grace. Avoid gossip, slander, or excessive complaining.
Manage Emotions First: When angry or emotional, take a break to calm down before responding to avoid hurtful, impulsive words.
Practice Silence: Recognize that silence is often better than speaking rashly; if you have nothing good to say, it’s best to say nothing.
What is your biggest challenge when it comes to controlling your words?
Sometimes True Stories
“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble” (Proverbs 13:20 NLT).
Have you ever heard the term “here comes trouble” when someone is greeting or referring to another person? While it is often said in jest, in reality, it can be truer than we may imagine. Often, a career is launched or a life mate is found through introductions or associations. It is critical that we choose friends and associates wisely, as these associations will help determine the course of our lives. Rightly or wrongly, we are often judged by the people we associate with. If we choose wise and godly companions, they will bring a multitude of blessings. Choosing fools and troublemakers as associates can ruin our reputation, embroil us in conflict, and bring trouble. Choose wisely. —Tony Ferguson
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We humans think we are smart. Certainly, smarter than a wild boar, but consider the following story. Some societies in Africa capture wild boars by putting shelled corn out daily until the animals start expecting the corn to be there each day. After a few days, the hunters put up a fence on one side of the food. After a couple more days, they put a second side to the fence, and after a few more days, a third side is installed. Finally, a gate is installed so they can close up the fourth side. The wild boars continue to come because they are expecting the food, and before they realize it, they are captured.
The devil tries to capture our souls in much the same fashion. We tell a small lie and get away with it. We steal something small, and we get away with it. Just like the wild boars that continue to come for the food, we continue committing our sins because we think our sin is free and we are getting away with it. Don’t be fooled like the wild boar; learn to recognize the traps set by the devil, because sin isn’t free. —Tony Ferguson
Quotes You Can Use
Excellence is never an accident. It’s always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution.
What steps do you go through to judge the wisest course of action in each situation?
What is the motive behind your works? Are you working out of habit? Tradition? The desire to make a name for yourself? Or is your motive love for your Savior?
The greater my understanding of God’s immense love for us, the more I am filled with wonder. —Charles Spurgeon
God doesn’t need clues. He knows exactly what we need well before we realize we need it. It is the perfect gift that He makes available to all mankind. Will we recognize it? Will we open it? Will we use it and cherish it? Is it real, and does it satisfy that which we have been longing for? —Rich Jensen
A promise of God is as good as done. —Edgar Aponte
Be ye fishers of men. You catch ’em; He’ll clean ’em.
What this world needs is CPR: Christ, Prayer, and Repentance.
If you don’t leave your past in the past, it will destroy your future. Live for what today has to offer, not what yesterday has taken away.
Today, the same idols found in the Bible are worshiped. —Dan Shock
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).
Do not sit so high that you belittle others. God can always flip the script.
They say once you retire you will travel more. What they don’t tell you is it’s to doctor’s appointments.
A Christian is not a “good man.” He is a vile wretch who has been saved by the grace of God. —Martyn Lloyd-Jones
“Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).
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