Guarding the Tongue: How Godly Men Speak with Wisdom and Grace

Show: Warriors of Grace with Dave Jenkins Series: Men of Resolve Date: January 2026

Show Summary

Words are never “small” in Scripture. God tells us that the tongue can set a forest ablaze (James 3) and that death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). In this episode of Warriors of Grace, Dave Jenkins calls men to pursue Christlike speech—speech that is truthful, humble, clear, and full of grace.Godly men are not only strong in action; they are self-controlled and wise in speech. Our words reveal our hearts (Matthew 12:34), and Christ sanctifies His people—renewing the heart so that the mouth increasingly reflects Him. You’ll learn why our speech matters to God, what sinful patterns to repent of, and practical steps to guard your tongue in the home, the church, and everyday life.

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Key Scriptures

• James 3:5–10
• Proverbs 18:21
• Matthew 12:34
• James 1:19
• Psalm 141:3

Episode Highlights

• Why Scripture treats our words as spiritually weighty, never “small.”
• How the tongue can destroy or heal—and what that reveals about the heart.
• How Christ sanctifies our speech by renewing the heart and mind.
• What godly, mature speech looks like in everyday relationships.
• Practical steps to guard your tongue with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Full Article

Words Reveal the Heart

One of the most overlooked areas of spiritual maturity is our speech. Scripture does not exaggerate: words can destroy or heal, tear down or build up, curse or bless. James warns that the tongue is small, yet it boasts of great things—and can set a whole forest ablaze (James 3:5–6). Proverbs adds that “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21).Jesus makes the issue unmistakably clear: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). That means our words are not merely “communication problems.” They are often heart problems. Harsh speech, angry outbursts, sarcasm that wounds, complaining and grumbling, gossip and slander, crude talk, and rash comments don’t come from nowhere—they flow from what is ruling the heart.

The Danger of Uncontrolled Speech

James teaches that the tongue is powerful, but without the Spirit it is uncontrollable. If a man does not bridle his tongue, he is not mature (see James 3; cf. James 1). Many men want to be strong, decisive, and bold—and those are good desires when shaped by Christ. But strength without self-control in speech becomes destruction. And leadership without grace in speech becomes fear.Godly men must learn that words are never neutral. Our homes, friendships, churches, and workplaces feel the impact of our speech every day. And in a world filled with outrage and careless talk, Christ calls His men to stand out through wise, measured, gracious words.

The Good News: Christ Sanctifies Our Speech

Here is the hope: Christ not only saves—He sanctifies. He gives new hearts, renews the mind, and teaches His people gentleness, patience, and self-control. Guarding our tongues begins with allowing the Lord to guard our hearts. When Christ rules the heart, He transforms the words.

Practical Steps to Guard Your Tongue

• Pause before you speak. A brief pause can prevent lasting damage. Pray if needed before responding.
• Ask the Lord to guard your mouth. Make Psalm 141:3 a daily prayer: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth.”
• Refuse to speak out of sinful anger. Much angry speech is not righteousness; it is sin that needs repentance.
• Practice encouragement on purpose. Build a culture of grace through intentional, truthful affirmation.
• Repent quickly when you sin with your words. Humility restores relationships and honors Christ.
• Bow your heart to the Word. God’s Word pushes out corrupt speech and trains you in wisdom.

A Call to Men of Resolve

Brothers, your words carry weight. They can bring life—and they can bring destruction. Godly men stand out in a noisy, hostile world by speaking with truth, clarity, humility, and grace. Your home needs it. Your church needs it. Your witness needs it.As we continue this series, remember: God is pleased to use sanctified words from godly men to bring encouragement, healing, and truth. So guard your tongue with the help of the Spirit, and live as a man of grace.

Takeaways / Reflection Questions

• What patterns of speech most often reveal impatience, pride, or anger in your heart?
• Where do your words most commonly harm others—home, work, online, or church relationships?
• How can you practice James 1:19 this week (quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger)?
• What would it look like to intentionally speak encouragement to your wife, children, or brothers in Christ?
• Will you make Psalm 141:3 your daily prayer for the next week?

Call to Action

If this episode helped you, please subscribe to Warriors of Grace, leave a rating, and share this with a brother who wants to grow in Christlike speech. Your support helps strengthen more men in the Word of God. For more from Warriors of Grace please visit our page at Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.