Guard Your Tongue, Guard Your Name
A 15–20 minute devotion (MEV)
True Story
Yesterday on TikTok, a man blasted out a list of things he called “facts.” They weren’t really facts. They were twisted facts, which makes them not true. In other words, you could call them lies. In trying to tear someone down, he ended up tearing down his own credibility. People reading the thread could see it. The more he typed, the less anyone trusted him.
Lesson: Truth, the Tongue, and Your Name
1) The Sin of False Witness
God’s command is plain: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:16, MEV) More than just courtroom perjury, this forbids slander, rumor-spreading, exaggeration, and sharing what we haven’t verified. “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are His delight.” (Proverbs 12:22, MEV) When we repeat a claim as “fact” without truth, we oppose God’s character.
The New Testament presses this into our daily lives: “Putting away lying, let every man speak truthfully with his neighbor.” (Ephesians 4:25, MEV)
2) The Power of the Tongue
Scripture says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21, MEV) James adds that the tongue is like a spark that can set a forest on fire: “See how great a forest a little fire kindles! The tongue is a fire… Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” (James 3:5–6, 10, MEV)
Our words never land neutral. They either build or destroy. Even when we disagree, the Christian’s assignment is: “Let no unwholesome word proceed out of your mouth, but only that which is good for building up.” (Ephesians 4:29, MEV)
3) Integrity: A Good Name Is Wealth
Lies don’t just hurt the person targeted; they scar the speaker’s name. “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.” (Proverbs 22:1, MEV) “He who walks honestly walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9, MEV) Godly people are described as those who “speak the truth in [their] heart” and “do not slander with [their] tongue.” (Psalm 15:2–3, MEV)
In a world drowning in hot takes, Christians should be the most careful, accurate, and fair voices. When people learn they can trust our words, they will be more open to our witness about Christ.
Practice: A Simple “Truth & Life” Rule
- Truth Check: Is it true? Do I actually know? (Exodus 20:16; Ephesians 4:25)
- Life Check: Will this build or burn? (Proverbs 18:21; Ephesians 4:29)
- Name Check: Will saying this strengthen or stain my reputation for Christ? (Proverbs 22:1)
Four Habits for This Week
- Pause before posting. Count to ten; pray once. (Matthew 12:36, MEV)
- Verify before you amplify. If you can’t confirm it, don’t claim it.
- Correct quickly when wrong. If you shared something false, say so and make it right. (Matthew 5:23–24, MEV)
- Speak life daily. Intentionally bless someone with truthful encouragement. (Ephesians 4:29, MEV)
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the Truth. Guard my heart from deception and my lips from false witness. Teach me to speak words that bring life, not harm. Make my name trustworthy so my life points people to You. Amen.
Key Scriptures (MEV): Exodus 20:16; Proverbs 12:22; Ephesians 4:25, 29; Proverbs 18:21; James 3:5–6,10; Proverbs 22:1; Proverbs 10:9; Psalm 15:2–3; Matthew 12:36; Matthew 5:23–24.
