Controlling Your Tongue

The idea for Deborah Pegues’ book 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue came to her after she didn’t control her tongue.

Deborah thought she was helping a friend when she told her something that she shouldn’t have. When her “help” backfired, Deborah discovered firsthand what happens when words aren’t used wisely.

In response, Deborah went on a “tongue fast.” For 30 days, she refused to speak negatively about anything – not the traffic, not the weather, nothing that she couldn’t directly and positively influence. Over her month-long fast, she saw speech in a whole new way and categorized the ways we misuse our words:

The know-it-all tongue.
The argumentative tongue.
The complaining tongue.
The self-absorbed tongue.
The half-truth tongue.
The retaliating tongue.
The gossiping tongue.

Not only did she refrain from negative words for 30 days, but she also spent those 30 days speaking more positively, encouraging others with statements like, “Yes, you can do this.”

Our words never die. Positive or negative, what we say influences who people become and how they’ll use their words to influence others.

If you’ve ever said something you later regretted, our conversation with Deborah Pegues on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Controlling Your Tongue” will be helpful. Learn why and how to avoid lying, gossiping, and complaining by “taming your tongue.” It’s an encouraging reminder of how you can honor God in the way you talk to others.

Listen on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, via Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

Deborah is a certified public accountant, a Bible teacher, a speaker, and the author of several books, including the one we’re discussing, 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue: What You Say (and Don’t Say) Will Improve Your Relationships. When you become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program, I’ll send you a copy of Deborah’s book as a way of saying thank you for touching others with the love of Christ. You’ll also receive member-exclusive benefits. To make your pledge, or for more information, visit our website or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).