PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)
NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD
(Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.
BIBLICAL RECIPE FOR
TONGUE MANAGEMENT
… “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, these things ought not to be so… (James3:1-12)
INTRODUCTION The
biblical injunction… “Be quick to listen, but slow to speak…” (James 1:19) is a
recipe for tongue management. The tongue is men’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 mismanaged,
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 offends in
words, and also notes that one who has no control of one’s tongue has no
control of one’s life. So,
BE COMMITED TO USING YOUR TONGUE WELL One’s
commitment to use 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 offences, (2 Cor.
6:3), empty boats, (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, (1Tim.
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
the glory of 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 the 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) as well as 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 this, “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.
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