The Serpent in the Mouth: Taming the Tongue with God’s Word
- Hope For All Nations Church
- Jul 21
- 4 min read
The biblical truth about the power of the tongue and how deceptive speech can reflect the serpent's influence.
In the Garden of Eden, the serpent used words to twist truth and tempt Eve (Genesis 3:1–5). Today, that same deceptive power often slithers through our own mouths; through gossip, lies, slander, flattery, and harmful speech. The Bible speaks clearly about the power of the tongue, warning us that it holds both life and death (Proverbs 18:21). Let's take a deep Biblical dive into what it means to have a “serpent in the mouth” and how believers can overcome it through the Word and the Holy Spirit.
Understanding the Metaphor: “Serpent in the Mouth”
The phrase "serpent in the mouth" is not found verbatim in scripture, but it represents a poisonous, deceptive, or divisive speech that reflects the cunning nature of the serpent in Genesis. It is a metaphor for how the enemy can use our own words to destroy relationships, discourage others, and even sabotage our own lives.
Jesus said:
“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” — Matthew 12:34
If the enemy can influence the heart, he can weaponize the mouth. Just like the serpent in Eden, whose words led humanity into rebellion, our words, if left unchecked, can become tools of destruction.
Biblical Warnings About the Tongue
1. The Tongue as a Fire and Deadly Poison
“The tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness, it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”
— James 3:6, 8
James describes the tongue as a restless evil, comparing it to both fire and poison, imagery that aligns with the characteristics of the serpent (Genesis 3) and hell itself. He reveals that though small, the tongue steers the direction of our entire life (James 3:4–5).
2. Deceitful Speech and the Snake's Nature
“They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; Adders' poison is under their lips.”
— Psalm 140:3
David likens the speech of the wicked to a venomous snake, highlighting that deception and destruction often come coated in words. Just as the serpent deceived Eve with partial truths, people today can weaponize speech with subtle lies and manipulations.
3. Satan: The Father of Lies
“When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
— John 8:44
Jesus identifies Satan’s primary weapon as the lie. And when we lie, slander, or manipulate others, we are speaking his native language. The serpent in our mouth speaks when we do not submit our words to God.
Biblical Examples of Serpent-Like Speech
Eve & the Serpent — Genesis 3:1–5
The serpent twisted God’s word just slightly enough to cause Eve to doubt God's goodness. Today, even believers may be guilty of adding or subtracting from the Word, leading others astray.
Moses & His Excuses — Exodus 4:10–12
Moses doubted himself, saying he was “slow of speech.” But God reminded him:
“Who has made man’s mouth?” — Exodus 4:11
Sometimes, the serpent in the mouth manifests not as deceit, but as fear, self-sabotage, or resistance to God’s call.
Peter's Denial — Luke 22:60–62
Peter, the bold disciple, denied Jesus three times with his words. His mouth betrayed what his heart feared. But Jesus later restored him, proving that repentance tames the serpent.
The Antidote: Taming the Serpent with Scripture
1. Speak Life, Not Death
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
— Proverbs 18:21
You hold power every time you open your mouth. Choose to build, not break. Speak life into your children, your spouse, your church, and even your enemies.
2. Let the Word Dwell in You
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord.”
— Psalm 19:14
To tame your tongue, fill your heart with the Word. When Scripture fills your heart, your mouth will reflect it.
3. Holy Spirit Control
“No human being can tame the tongue.” — James 3:8
That sounds hopeless, until you remember that what man cannot do, God can. The fruit of the Spirit includes self-control (Galatians 5:23), and with His help, your words can become fountains of wisdom, grace, and truth.
Practical Steps to Defang the Serpent
Pause Before You Speak
Ask: Is this true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
Pray Over Your Words Daily
Begin each morning by surrendering your tongue to God.
Accountability
Invite trusted friends or mentors to correct you when your words become toxic.
Confess and Repent Quickly
If you gossip, slander, or lie, don’t let it fester. Repent and make it right.
Fill Your Environment with Godly Speech
Listen to Scripture, worship music, and edifying conversations that sharpen your discernment.
Final Thought: Let the Lion, Not the Serpent, Rule Your Mouth
Jesus is the Lion of Judah. His speech was full of grace and truth (John 1:14). If you belong to Him, then your tongue must reflect His heart. Replace the serpent's hiss with the Lion's roar, bold, loving, and full of righteousness.
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”
— Psalm 141:3
Prayer:
Lord, deliver me from the serpent in my mouth. Teach me to speak life, wisdom, and truth. Let my words reflect your heart. Fill me with Your Spirit and let every word I speak honour You in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour, Amen.
Related Scriptures to Meditate On:
Proverbs 12:18 — “Reckless words pierce like a sword…”
Colossians 4:6 — “Let your conversation be always full of grace…”
Ephesians 4:29 — “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths…”
Matthew 15:11 — “What comes out of the mouth defiles…”
If this post spoke to you, share it with someone who needs this reminder. And always remember, the power of life and death is in your tongue. Speak as one who is filled with the Spirit of God, not the serpent of Eden.
For a deeper teaching on this topic, watch the full sermon titled THE SERPENT IN YOUR MOUTH.
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