The mouth is an important tool provided it is used properly. The Bible has much to say about the mouth. Thus, we study.

Old Testament Prophets Were A Mouth For God

The word prophet means "a mouth." When Moses tried to excuse himself from doing the work of God because he was not eloquent, God said, "Who bath made man's mouth?" (Exod. 4:10-11). God then allowed Aaron to become the mouth for Moses. "And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shaft be to him instead of God" (Exod. 4:16). Aaron became a prophet to Moses because he was used by Moses as a "mouth." "And the Lord said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet" (Exod. 7:1). Thus, when an Old Testament prophet spoke, he was merely the mouth for God, speaking the message of God. Peter expressed it this way: "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Pet. 1:21).

The Mouth Advertises What's On The Heart

If you want to know the things that are in a person's heart, just listen to the things that come out of his mouth. Jesus said, ". . . for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" (Matt. 12:34). This is the reason it is important what one thinks. Solomon said, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he . . ." (Prov. 23:7). This may help us understand why Paul told the Philippians, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Phil. 4:8).

A Wise Man's Mouth

Solomon had something to say about the wise man's mouth. "The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook" (Prov. 18:4). Again it is written, "The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself" (Eccl. 10:12). The words of your mouth help to determine whether you are wise or foolish. "The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips" (Prov. 16:23). It is important that we engage the gain before we start the mouth!

A Fool's Mouth

The mouth can be to ones own destruction. Solomon said, "A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul (Prov. 18:7). It is as Paul told the Galatians, "But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another" (Gal. 5:15). It is possible that by the mouth, people bite and devour one another - thus to their own destruction!

The Need For Open Mouths

There are many occasions for open mouths. Paul's desire was to use his mouth to proclaim the gospel of Christ. "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel" (Eph. 6:19). If one intends to preach, he must open his mouth. As Philip preached to the eunuch, the Bible says "Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus" (Acts 8:35). In singing, we need to open our mouths and not be afraid to sing out. We need to realize that we are "singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Eph. 5:19).

Some Mouths Need To Be Stopped

Just as mouths need to be opened, some mouths need to be stopped! Paul said, "For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for fifthly lucre's sake" (Tit. 1:10-11). Those, in the church, who teach "things which they ought not" must be stopped. This one reason that elders need the knowledge of God's word. "Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers" (Tit. 1:9).

Have you checked your mouth lately?

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 3, p. 74
February 3, 1983