Morning Manna - Feb 4, 2025 - Romans 3:13-14 - The Mouth Is An Open Grave

On today's Morning Manna, Rick and Doc will focus on the power of the tongue—how our words reveal the condition of our hearts and can bring either life or destruction. They'll unpack passages from Romans 3:13-14 alongside related scriptures to show us that deceit, slander, gossip, and other harmful speech have devastating effects on relationships and our souls. These verses remind us to seek the Holy Spirit’s help in taming the tongue, practice daily confession, extend forgiveness, and speak life-giving words reflecting God’s grace.

Topics Covered

Power of the Tongue: Emphasizing how words can either heal or destroy and reflect the state of one’s heart.
Lies and Deceit: Highlighting that even “small” or “white” lies are harmful and contrary to God’s truth.
Verbal Abuse and Toxic Speech: Describing how gossip, slander, and hateful words can wound others deeply and create lasting damage.
Hypocrisy and Religion: Warning against religious hypocrisy where outward appearances mask inward corrupt speech and motives.
Romans 3 Focus: Linking Paul’s description of the human condition—“throat is an open grave,” “poison under their lips”—to the broader theme of humanity’s fallen nature.
Repentance and Forgiveness: Stressing the need for believers to confess sins of speech, rely on the Holy Spirit to control the tongue, and forgive those who speak against them.

Scripture References

Psalm 5:9 – “For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre…”
Psalm 140:3 – “They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips.”
Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue...”
Matthew 12:34 – “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things?...”
James 3:6 – “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity...”
Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth...”
1 Corinthians 6:10 – Revilers, among others, will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Isaiah 6:5 – Isaiah’s confession of being a man of unclean lips among a people of unclean lips.
Matthew 12:36–37 – A reminder that all will give account for every idle word.
Proverbs 13:3 – Cautioning that those who guard their mouths preserve their lives.