Tame Your Tongue

A tongue is a small part of the body which enables us to talk.  In the beginning God created man and gave him the ability to speak a language which was totally different from the animals He had created.  Adam could communicate with God all the time.  Even today, we believe that every word in the Bible was spoken by God before it was written by His people.

We are living in hectic times with wars, tribulation, crime, terrorism and hunger ruling many people’s lives.  A day does not go by without such happenings.  Wars are rampant because leaders exchange nasty words.  Before the war in Iraq, President Bush exchanged bad words with President Saddam which led to loss of life and destruction of property.  The apostle Paul warns those who are idlers and who gossip to stop that kind of activity.  Why?  Because it does not please God (1 Timothy 5:13).

Man was created to live within the limits of law which God gave him.  We should speak good things and listen to good words.  The evildoer listens to wicked lips, but one who fears God must not at any time allow that to happen (Proverbs 17:4).  We are not supposed to associate with anyone who goes round gossiping and revealing secrets (Proverbs 20:19).  Anyone who goes round as a talebearer lacks understanding but we should remain silent

The danger of gossiping is spreading strife; whispering separates close friends.  As Brothers and Sisters we should try always to bring peace and unity, not separation.  “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels for they go down into the inner part of the body and disturb a person’s mind” (Proverbs 16:28),

In the day of judgement, everyone will be charged according to every careless word he or she has uttered.  Therefore we should be careful in our ways of thinking about what to tell our brothers and sisters and how to react to difficult situations.  God hears what we say in every language, wherever we are on earth (Matthew 12:36-37).  Our own words and meditations of our hearts should be acceptable in God’s sight (Psalms 19:14).

The apostle Paul tells us to avoid evil speech but to use only what is good for edification and is fit for the occasion.  Those who hear should get grace.  Bitterness and wrath and anger and slander are all to be put away.  Only be kind to one another, tender-hearted and forgiving as God in Christ has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:29-32).

Bro. David Wanjala (Makhonge, Kenya)