USING YOUR TONGUE WELL

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV)

NCE(Eng.) ND/HD (Journalism); BA (Hons) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939  E-mail: profesorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

USING YOUR TONGUE WELL

…”The tongue is a little member and boasts great things … and the tongue is a fire, a word of iniquity and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell … with it we bless God… and with  it we curse men … my brethren, this things ought not ,to be so… (James 3:1-12)

INTRODUCTION

          The biblical injunction … “be quick to listen, but, slow to speak…”, (James 1:19) is a recipe for tongue management. The tongue is man’s gift for interaction and communication. On a positive note, the tongue is an instrument that builds, sharpens and fosters peaceful co-existence. However, the tongue, if mis-managed, can breed conflicts that lead to wars and broken relationships. Human experience shows that there is hardly any problem (conflict) in the human race where the tongue is free from indictment. This calls for proper management of the tongue.  God’s word depicts a perfect man as one who does not offend in words, and also notes that one who has no control of one’s tongue has no control of one’s whole life. So;  

BE COMMITTED TO USING YOUR TONGUE WELL

          One’s commitment to the use of one’s tongue implies a regular task, ensuring one’s proper management of one’s tongue. Such stewardship of tongue ensures a lifestyle devoid of incitement, slander, sycophancy and every form of inflammatory statement. Definitely, it is on this note that the Bible cautions against the use of one’s tongue for offenses, (11 Cor. 6:3), empty boasts, (Prov. 27:1-2) and idle words, (Matt. 12;36).  Furthermore, lack of prudence in the use of one’s tongue is often manifested in gossips, (1 Tim 5:12-13), tale – bearing, (Prov 26:20), evil – speaking, (James 4;11-12) and lying, (Prov. 12;19). All the aforementioned carry the consequences of God’s judgment, and should be avoided, (Matt. 12:36-37)

BEWARE OF DEMONS OF EVIL – SPEAKING

          The understanding of the fact that not every word that comes out of one’s mouth is by one’s volition is vital. This is because one’s consciousness of the negative influence from the pit of hell over one’s tongue would help one reduce un-desirable words, and in turn would save one from divine judgment. The Bible records that the tongue is unruly evil, a world of iniquity, and capable of setting the course of nature on fire.  Pointedly, all the evil activities of the tongue are said to be sponsored by hell and its demons, (James 3:6).  This implies that every evil-speaking, (James 4:11-12), tale-bearing, (Prov 26:20), and all forms of inflammatory statements are to the glory of Satan and his demons and not to God.  To whom  does your tongue give glory?

BE CONSCIOUS OF GIVING GOD GLORY
 IN THE USE OF YOUR TONGUE

          “The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness”, (Prov. 15:2).  By way of definition, knowledge is information and understanding about a subject which one has on one’s mind. The foregoing implies that a wise man is a prudent manager of his tongue.  He reflects or ponders over words before he speaks out, but a fool has no such consideration. One who is conscious of God’s glory in the use of one’s tongue speaks God’s righteousness and praise, (Psalm 35;28), blesses and does not curse, (Rom 12:14) and weighs every statement one wishes to make in the light of God’s Word. Does your life reflect a good stewardship of the tongue? “For, whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech”, ( 1 Peter 3:10).

          To conclude this gospel discourse, hear the, “a wise man thinks before he speaks, but, a fool speaks before he thinks”.  So, learn to consider the implication of every statement you wish to make.  BE ADVISED.