Matthew 16 - GNTD & HBN

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

The Bible is rich with wisdom regarding the power of our words. Throughout Scripture, we are reminded that the tongue—though small—holds the capacity to uplift, destroy, heal, or harm. The words we speak can shape destinies, mend relationships, or cause deep wounds. Let’s explore seven Bible verses that illuminate the profound power of the tongue.

1. Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

The words we choose to speak can bring encouragement, love, and healing, or they can cause hurt, division, and destruction. The “fruits” we reap from our words reflect their power—whether for good or ill.

2. James 3:5-6 – “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.”

Although it is a small part of the body, the tongue can cause significant harm, much like a small spark can ignite an entire forest fire. James warns believers of the dangers of careless speech, reminding us that words can spread like wildfire, causing damage that can be difficult to undo.

3. Proverbs 12:18 – “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

Words spoken in haste or anger can cut deeply, inflicting pain and damage similar to physical wounds. Conversely, wise and thoughtful words can bring comfort, peace, and restoration, highlighting the importance of controlling our speech and choosing our words carefully.

4. Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

We are urged to avoid corrupting or harmful talk and instead speak in ways that edify and encourage others. Words have the power to build up or tear down, and we are encouraged to use our speech to impart grace and support to those around us.

5. Proverbs 15:4 – “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”

A gentle tongue, like a tree of life, offers nourishment, strength, and growth. In contrast, perverse or harsh speech can crush a person’s spirit, leading to discouragement and despair. The verse encourages us to speak with kindness and gentleness, fostering life and growth in others.

6. Matthew 12:36-37 – “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Jesus’ words in Matthew are a sobering reminder of the accountability we have for our speech. Every word we speak—careless or otherwise—will be subject to judgment. Our words reflect our hearts, and they play a role in our justification or condemnation. This verse underscores the importance of being mindful of our speech, knowing that it has eternal consequences.

7. Proverbs 16:24 – “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

Words that are kind, loving, and considerate are likened to honeycomb—sweet and nourishing, bringing joy and health to both the speaker and the listener. The verse encourages us to speak in ways that bring sweetness and well-being to others, reflecting the love and grace of God through our words.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently teaches that the tongue, though small, wields immense power. It can bring life or death, healing or harm, joy or sorrow. As followers of Christ, we are called to use our words wisely, to speak life, and to reflect God’s love through our speech. By guarding our tongues and choosing our words carefully, we can positively influence those around us and honor God with our speech.

The Demand for a Miracle

(Mark 8.11-13Luke 12.54-56)

1 Some Pharisees and Sadducees who came to Jesus wanted to trap him, so they asked him to perform a miracle for them, to show that God approved of him. 2 But Jesus answered, “When the sun is setting, you say, ‘We are going to have fine weather, because the sky is red.’ 3 And early in the morning you say, ‘It is going to rain, because the sky is red and dark.’ You can predict the weather by looking at the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs concerning these times! 4 How evil and godless are the people of this day! You ask me for a miracle? No! The only miracle you will be given is the miracle of Jonah.”

So he left them and went away.

The Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees

(Mark 8.14-21)

5 When the disciples crossed over to the other side of the lake, they forgot to take any bread. 6 Jesus said to them, “Take care; be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

7 They started discussing among themselves, “He says this because we didn't bring any bread.”

8 Jesus knew what they were saying, so he asked them, “Why are you discussing among yourselves about not having any bread? What little faith you have! 9 Don't you understand yet? Don't you remember when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand men? How many baskets did you fill? 10 And what about the seven loaves for the four thousand men? How many baskets did you fill? 11 How is it that you don't understand that I was not talking to you about bread? Guard yourselves from the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees!”

12 Then the disciples understood that he was not warning them to guard themselves from the yeast used in bread but from the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Peter's Declaration about Jesus

(Mark 8.27-30Luke 9.18-21)

13 Jesus went to the territory near the town of Caesarea Philippi, where he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

14 “Some say John the Baptist,” they answered. “Others say Elijah, while others say Jeremiah or some other prophet.”

Peter: Confession of Jesus as the Messiah

He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah!

15 “What about you?” he asked them. “Who do you say I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

17 “Good for you, Simon son of John!” answered Jesus. “For this truth did not come to you from any human being, but it was given to you directly by my Father in heaven. 18 And so I tell you, Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build my church, and not even death will ever be able to overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven; what you prohibit on earth will be prohibited in heaven, and what you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

20 Then Jesus ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Jesus Speaks about His Suffering and Death

(Mark 8.31—9.1Luke 9.22-27)

21 From that time on Jesus began to say plainly to his disciples, “I must go to Jerusalem and suffer much from the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law. I will be put to death, but three days later I will be raised to life.”

22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “God forbid it, Lord!” he said. “That must never happen to you!”

23 Jesus turned around and said to Peter, “Get away from me, Satan! You are an obstacle in my way, because these thoughts of yours don't come from God, but from human nature.”

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you want to come with me, you must forget yourself, carry your cross, and follow me. 25 For if you want to save your own life, you will lose it; but if you lose your life for my sake, you will find it. 26 Will you gain anything if you win the whole world but lose your life? Of course not! There is nothing you can give to regain your life. 27 For the Son of Man is about to come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will reward each one according to his deeds. 28 I assure you that there are some here who will not die until they have seen the Son of Man come as King.”

Yasuuⓐ gwidoinyo dhuŋuna dhan ⓐalaama

1 A Farriisiyiin ŋa S̱adduugiyiin lai ila dugun, almireje galo, alari luŋwulaŋajo ⓐalaama gwa Sama. 2 Ŋwulabiŋaijo, ŋwulaici, Ma kalo ro kera, nyarnu, Kalo gidhi gawalalaŋ; ŋinena ure jiburu. 3 Abi bigunu ga kanalaŋ; ŋinena ure jiburu aliludhalaŋ. Liji lai lina luthi dhuŋuna ganu ram, nyaŋa luthi ŋoma laliŋa dhuŋuna dha gidhila na? 4 Liji lina like lathibupe daŋa ⓐalaama, abi gwati gwuthi ŋoma gwalaŋa gwetipo no, abi gwa Yuunaan. Ŋwulgathani, ŋwela.

Ŋeda gwiŋirirudhi calmiz juŋun jina joma jirima gi je gi dhuŋun dhuŋun

5 A ma calmiz mure kimumu giter, aldhudhani ganu dapani ⓐesh. 6 Al Yasuuⓐ abiŋaijo, ŋwulaici, Ethadhinul ganu gi dhuŋun dha ŋijini ŋa Farriisiyiin a ŋa S̱adduugiyiin. 7 Al babiŋaijiye alireye je galo, alarnu, Ŋinena athana apanu ⓐesh no. 8 Albi Yasuuⓐ aŋa, ŋwulabiŋaijo, ŋwulaici, Nyaŋa lina lati luthi imaan gwoinyadho no, kworaŋ nyababiŋini dhuŋuna ibidha gi dugor ganu dalo, nyarnu nyaŋa lati luthi ⓐesh no. 9 Nyaŋa loma lati liliŋidhi na? i athanya aŋidhanu dhuŋuna dha ⓐesh ina iro thudhina ina ithi liji lina liro khamsa alaaf, a nyuni nyiro uman nyina nyidi galo nyalwura na? 10 I dhanyaŋidhani dha ⓐesh kworoŋo‐thiril ina ithi liji ⓐarba alaaf, ŋwidi galo nyuni uman nyalwura na? 11 Kworaŋ athanya biliŋidhi darnu nyi gwati gwabiŋadhajaje gi dhuŋun dha ⓐesh no, abi danya ethadho galo gi dhuŋun dha ŋijini ŋa Farriisiyiin a ŋa S̱adduugiyiin. 12 Albi liŋa darnu gwati gwabiŋudhi ŋijini ŋa jila no; ŋwubabiŋa gi taⓐliim dha Farriisiyiin a dha S̱adduugiyiin.

Buṯrus gwitejo Yasuuⓐuŋw galo, ŋwarnu gwiro al Masiiẖ

13 A Yasuuⓐ ela ŋwen ŋwa Ges̱ariiya Fiilibbus, ŋwothaije calmiz juŋun galo, ŋwulaici, Liji latharnu nyi gwina gwiro Ŋari ŋa liji gwan ei? 14 Alabiŋaijo, alaici, Liji coŋ latharnu ŋa gwan Yuuẖanna al Maⓐmadaan; a liter arnu ŋa gwan Iliiya; a liter arnu ŋa gwan Irmiya, i nebi gweta gwa nebiŋa. 15 Ŋwulbaicinu, Athanya barnu nyi gwan ei? 16 A Simⓐaan Buṯrus aicinu, Ŋa gwiro al Masiiẖ, gwina gwiro Ŋari ŋa Kalo gina gimidho. 17 A Yasuuⓐ abiŋaijo, ŋwaici, Iŋirii dhugore, Simⓐaan, ŋa gwan Benyuuna; gi dhuŋun ibidha dhina dhimaŋaliŋa dhati dhiliŋidhaŋa aŋinu yai i ŋin ŋai no, abi Babo gwai gwiny gwina gwathije Sama. 18 A nyi gwaicaŋanu, Ŋa gwan Buṯrus, a kol alaŋ ibiga nyi gwaji gwan aice kaniisa giny; a gati guthi ŋoma ga jibur ja kalo gina gathin liji je lina laio dhinyi no. 19 Nyi gwaji gwaŋadhedha mafaaṯiiẖ gwa gidhila ga Sama; a gweta gwina gwanyakimiye mina kidhila gwukimini gi Sama ko; a gwina gwanyaguda galo mina kidhila gwagududhini galo Sama ko. 20 Ŋwabiŋaijo calmiz juŋun ŋwari lati labiŋaijo kwijo gwetipo daici, Gwiro Yasuuⓐ gwina gwiro al Masiiẖ no.

Yasuuⓐ gwabiŋu dhuŋuna dha ai gwuŋun a dire gwuŋun dai

21 Ŋwamun ibiŋwe a Yasuuⓐ tejo calmiz juŋun galo darnu aram gwaji gwalo Urushaliim, a gwabuje ŋwuredenya ŋwoinyadho gi liji lina lurun a gi leleny la gusus a gi jathib, a gwalrinya, a ma ŋwamun ro thiril gwadire manaŋ. 22 Abi Buṯrus ekajo dabiŋi minoŋ, ŋwaici, Athi dhuŋun ibidha uthii je ganu duguŋa, Kweleny gwai, no. 23 Ŋwuburla di Buṯrus, ŋwabiŋaijo, ŋwaici, Tuiya ganu diginy, Sheṯaan gwai, ŋa gwiro kol gina gathinyi ekajo; ŋinena athaŋa irejo dhuŋuna je galo dha Kalo no, ŋwubiro dha liji dogo.

Urnini didoinya gwidom

24 A Yasuuⓐ abiŋaijo calmiz juŋun, ŋwulaici, Ada kwiji gweta gwimari gwathi gwiny gwuje, abricul ŋwirini gwidom gwuŋun, ŋwapai lure luŋun lina limaliganu, nyi gwuje. 25 Kwiji gweda gwina gwara gwadima midhuŋw gwuŋun gwaji gwuŋwdhudhiye, abi gwina gwadhudhiye midhuŋw gwuŋun jiriny jai jiny gwaji gwuŋwdima. 26 Kwiji gwateyani aŋ galo ada gwimateyani gidhileo galo peth, a gwimadhudhiye dhigirima dhuŋun? i kwiji gwupeye dhigirima dhuŋun aŋ ganu? 27 Ŋinena a dhaji a Ŋari ŋa liji ila gi majdh gwa Babo gwuŋun a malaayka ŋalai luŋun, a ŋaji ŋadhedha lijo peth mukaafa gwa ŋiro ŋegen ŋina ŋapilo. 28 Titiganu nyi gwa gwacaijinu, Lo coŋ billidhunudhi mina lina lati laŋila aiuŋw, di malaŋa Ŋare ŋa liji dila kidhila guŋun no.