I suggested that you choose one area where you know your tongue is out of control and work on that. You can do this through God's Word and prayer and daily commitment, until you see the Spirit of God changing you. The areas to consider working on are criticizing, lecturing, arguing, complaining, and talking too much. Remember, too many words will eventually get you in trouble. Proverbs 10:19 says, "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." 

 

Then, focus on some areas where you want to start learning to say the right words. Our words can certainly do a great deal of harm, but the good news is, they can do a lot of good, as well. Proverbs 18:21 says that the tongue has the power of life and death, so we can choose to use it for harm or for good.

 

Choose one area where your words can do good; for example, encouraging words. Make a commitment to the Lord that you will consciously encourage at least two people today. Pray about that as you get going in the morning. First Thessalonians 5:11 says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up..." That's a command; we are to build people up. Do you do that regularly?

 

Well, start praying about it and ask God to show you who needs encouragement today. I'm certain you can easily find two people to encourage. Look for them; pray for them; and say some encouraging words to them. You'll be amazed that as you encourage them, you will yourself be encouraged. And it takes the focus off of yourself and onto others. That's always helpful.

 

Also, anytime you think something nice about someone, put those thoughts into words. When you have a sincere compliment in your mind, why not say it? It could be just the thing that person needs to hear today.  

 

Now, if you and I start focusing on the areas where our tongues are out of control and get serious about using our tongues to bring words of encouragement and hope to others, we're going to see incredible changes in our own lives.