𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗟 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗨𝗘

THE POWER AND PERIL OF THE TONGUE
(Psalm 12 in Light of Pauline Grace)

Key Texts: Psalm 12:1–4 (KJV) | Ephesians 4:29 | Colossians 4:6
Dispensational Lens: Prophetic Warning ➝ Pauline Application
Right Division: 2 Timothy 2:15

INTRODUCTION

Words are never neutral. In Psalm 12, David cries out in a prophetic context as deceit, pride, and flattery dominate Israel’s society. Though written to Israel under law, the principle of the tongue remains vital for the Church, the Body of Christ, now living under grace.

While judgment language belongs to prophecy, instruction for godly speech is clearly revealed in Paul’s epistles for today.

Today, we will see 9 DISPENSATIONAL TRUTHS about the tongue—rightly divided, grace-applied, and Christ-honoring.

PROPHETIC PROBLEM
Psalm 12:1

A. Failing Faithfulness – Godly men cease in Israel
B. Social Corruption – Truth disappears among the people
C. Covenant Context – A nation accountable under law
Dispensational Insight:
This describes Israel’s moral collapse, not the Church’s calling.

PERVASIVE PRETENSE
Psalm 12:2

A. Lying Lips – Vanity replaces truth
B. Flattering Faces – Smooth speech hides evil
C. Double Hearts – Hypocrisy reigns
Grace Application:
The Church is warned not to imitate the world (Romans 12:2).

PRIDEFUL PROCLAMATIONS
Psalm 12:3–4

A. Boastful Tongues – Self-exaltation
B. Sovereign Denial – “Who is lord over us?”
C. Rebellious Speech – Rejecting divine authority
Contrast:
Israel defies God; the Church submits to Christ (Colossians 1:18).

PROPHETIC PURGING
Psalm 12:3

A. Divine Cut-Off – Judgment promised
B. Legal Response – Law demands punishment
C. Future Fulfillment – Tribulation justice
Right Division:
This is NOT God’s method today (Romans 6:14).

PAULINE PRINCIPLE
Ephesians 4:29

A. Edifying Speech – Build, not break
B. Gracious Words – Minister grace to hearers
C. Controlled Conversation – Spirit-led, not flesh-driven
Church-Age Truth:
Our speech reflects new identity, not national covenant.

PURPOSED PURITY
Colossians 4:6

A. Seasoned Speech – Salt, not poison
B. Wise Responses – Discernment in dialogue
C. Gospel Opportunity – Words open doors
Grace Focus:
Speech is a tool for ministry, not condemnation.

POWER OF THE SPIRIT
Galatians 5:22–23

A. Fruitful Tongue – Love, meekness, temperance
B. Spirit Control – Not law enforcement
C. Inner Transformation – Heart before mouth
Key Distinction:
Law restrains; grace transforms.

PRACTICAL PURSUIT
Titus 3:2

A. Evil-Speaking Avoided – No slander
B. Gentle Communication – Meekness toward all
C. Peaceful Testimony – Christ magnified
Church Mission:
Reflect Christ, not courtroom judgment.

PERFECTED PRAISE
Hebrews 13:15

A. Confessing Christ – Mouth aligned with faith
B. Thankful Testimony – Praise replaces pride
C. God-Glorifying Speech – Worship through words
End Goal:
Speech that honors Christ, not self.

CONCLUSION

Psalm 12 shows what the tongue does under law.
Paul reveals what the tongue should do under grace.
Don’t steal Israel’s judgments.
Apply the Church’s instructions.
Right division protects doctrine—and purifies speech.

CALL TO ACTION

Examine your words – Do they minister grace?
Submit your speech – Let the Spirit lead
Proclaim Christ – Speak life, truth, and hope
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth…” (Ephesians 4:29)

FINAL THOUGHTS

The tongue reveals the heart
Grace changes the speaker
Christ must be heard in our words

SUMMARY

Prophetic Problem
Pervasive Pretense
Prideful Proclamations
Prophetic Purging
Pauline Principle
Purposed Purity
Power of the Spirit
Practical Pursuit
Perfected Praise