Billy Graham has ministered life and peace to multiplied thousands throughout the world. He always has a kind and encouraging word. As his wife laid in a coma waiting for the Lord to call her home to heaven, Billy gave credit to his wife for most of the success he has had as an evangelist. “She is my best friend. I cannot imagine living one day without her,” he said. He is an example of Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” (Proverbs 12:18; 15:4) Jesus gave this warning, “But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account thereof in the Day of Judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37 KJV).

When the prophet Isaiah saw the glory and holiness of God he cried out, “Woe is me! For I am undone, because I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:1-7). When Isaiah confessed his sin, he was cleansed and the fire of God purified his lips. We need that same forgiveness and purifying of our lips.
How can we use our tongue for tremendous good and reap eternal benefits? Notice seven things David tells us in Psalm 34.

First – “PRAISE the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises” (verses 1-2). A praising tongue keeps you in God’s presence and releases the power and life of God.
Second – PROCLAIM His greatness and good news of salvation to all. (Psalm 34:3; Isaiah 35:2-5; 51:16; 52:7; Romans 10:5-17)

Third – PRAY “I prayed to the Lord and he answered me . . . those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy” (verses 4-7, 15-18). Pray in the Spirit. (Jude 20)
Fourth – PARTAKE of the Lord personally and daily. “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (verse 8). David says that God’s Word is sweeter than honey. Jesus is the Bread of Life and the Living Water. Eat that which is good. (Isaiah 55) “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

Fifth – PURIFY your speech. “Keep your tongue from speaking evil and lips from telling lies” (verses 11-13). Like David, pray that God will set a guard over your mouth. May our speech be “seasoned with salt,” and always edifying.

Sixth – PEACEMAKING. (verse 14) Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:9). They bring the kingdom of God to others on earth and they are citizens of God’s kingdom above. (James 3:17-18)

Seventh – PROSPERING speech. (verse 12) How much we prosper in the areas of our life (III John 3) has much to do with our speech. Is your speech positive and faith filled? Are you using your tremendous tongue for good or evil? (Revelation 12:11)

We have God’s promise of cleansing through the blood of Christ shed on the cross. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgiveness us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).

Pray – “Lord, forgive me and cleanse my heart, my mind, my mouth, and my spirit. Put a guard before my mouth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”