The danger of speech – Speech errors

The lecture focuses on the danger of the tongue and the power of words in shaping a person spiritually, psychologically, and socially. It affirms that words are not mere sounds, but a direct reflection of the heart, and that a word can justify or condemn, build or destroy, wound or heal.

The tongue reveals the heart

• His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that speech reflects the heart:

  • A heart full of anger produces angry words.

  • A heart full of envy, resentment, or harshness produces similar words.

  • A loving heart produces loving speech.

• Therefore, sins of the tongue are also sins of the heart.

Words are judgment before God

• The Lord said: “By your words you are justified, and by your words you are condemned.”

• Even the great Apostle Peter was justified by a word when he confessed Christ, and was condemned by a word when he denied Him.

• Words are recorded and cannot be taken back.

The tongue causes spiritual defilement

• Christ taught that what defiles a person is not what enters the mouth, but what comes out of it.

• Evil words reveal inner corruption and defile the speaker.

A word cannot be retrieved

• Once spoken, a word cannot be undone even with apologies.

• It may wound a heart for years.

• Therefore Scripture advises:
  “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

Biblical examples of the danger of words

• Rehoboam lost the kingdom of David because of a harsh word.

• Michal lost blessing because of a word of mockery.

• Saul became troubled and pursued David because of the women’s chant.

• Peter wept bitterly because of a word of denial.

• Satan caused the fall of humanity with only two words of deception.

Forms of sins of the tongue

• Gossip and spreading disputes.

• Complaining and murmuring.

• Insults, mockery, schadenfreude, and harsh speech.

• Hurtful jokes.

• Wrong advice.

• Revealing secrets.

• Spreading heresy and false teachings through speech.

The effect of words on others

• A word may change a person’s thoughts, create doubt, cool spiritual zeal, or ruin relationships.

• Some words destroy homes, families, and reputations.

A call to silence and controlling the tongue

• The saints loved silence because they knew the danger of words.

• David prayed: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth.”

• The wise person weighs his words and considers their consequences.

• True fasting includes fasting of the tongue, not only from food.

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