There is a very interesting passage in Job’s story that says that in everything he went through (he lost all his assets, his 10 children in a tragedy and his health, he just did not lose his life and his wife, which the devil left alive to harass him), the Bible says that in all this Job did not sin with his lips (Job 2:9-10). Usually, when we talk about sins, we think of serious things (such as theft, adultery, among others), but little do we think that lips can also sin. And how the mouth sins! If human beings understood this, they would use their mouth more wisely. I want to give 3 examples of how we can sin with our lips:

1) Speak ill of others.
Everyone knows that this is not noble. But how many of us find ourselves criticising, using our tongue to hurt by speaking ill of someone? Usually, the person is not present, but in private (by mobile phone, at home, in the car), someone omits an opinion loaded with bad feelings against them. Sometimes you don’t like a person (which so far is not a sin), and you go further. And you try to give a bad impression before others (and this becomes a grave sin). You are bringing information that is a mere feeling of yours. If I talk about a fact (for example, so-and-so is a murderer), it’s one thing. But, perhaps, you say: “So-and-so is proud”. That’s your opinion because, maybe, you’re jealous of that person’s intelligence. The moment you spoke, you already sinned. And you were the first one harmed (because we are the first to hear what we say).

2)When we speak ill of ourselves.
It is when we reduce our capabilities with false modesty when we put ourselves down without being aware that words have power. If you believe in someone, you will believe in your own opinions. If you think you are a burden, you will act as such. However, if it is a truth about you (for example, if you are proud, keep a stiff upper lip and do not accept you are ever wrong), then you are admitting your mistake. It is the first step of change: recognising that you are wrong. But neither diminish your qualities nor increase your flaws.

3)When we speak the opposite of what God says.
I’ve seen many single Christians who say: “it’s good to live alone. I don’t want to get married.” You may even do well alone (not being desperate to get married or not being depressed and looking for a relationship to fill yourself), I also understand that not everyone was made for marriage (like the apostle Paul), but this is not out of resentments, it is a personal decision. I am talking about sick people with traumas and unresolved issues. They contradict what God says, “It is not good that man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18). You won’t get very far with that. Do you want to argue with God and still think He’s wrong?

So, have you been acting like this? Job, in everything, didn’t sin with his lips. If you want to improve your life, start by caring for your thoughts and what you let out through your lips. Watch this message in full in the video above