Taming the Tongue

Connect with Us

FacebookTwitter
Home
Taming the Tongue PDF Print E-mail
Written by admin   
Tuesday, 17 April 2012 05:31

Taming the Tongue

Man Shouting

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21

We stumble in many ways but especially in what we say. The tongue has great potential for both positive and negative influence. Like the rudder of a ship it can control the largest vessel, and like a spark it can burn down a big forest. It teaches, blesses, comforts, and encourages, and can draw people to the noblest actions. It curses, misleads, destroys self image, draws people into violence, and can kill by destroying reputations.

The tongue is a mirror of the heart. It brings out what we are. If we have rot, bitterness, and the spirit of affecting vengeance on others, it will be verbalized. A lemon tree can only come out with lemons, and not mangoes. “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9 NIV

In order therefore to control the tongue against its destructive tendencies, we need to transform the heart and mind by presenting ourselves as a vessel for God’s use. When the Holy Spirit indwells in us, we verbalize God’s wisdom which is based on love. This wisdom speaks peace, mercy, comfort and encouragement. It edifies others and the church. Let us practice the art of praising God and saying a word of encouragement to others every day and use our tongues to the best effect.

 

*****

"A knife-wound heals, but a tongue wound festers." Turkish Proverb

*****

 


All Rights Reserved FaithFood 2018. Website done by Wema Digital Agency