BRO. ADEKOYA A. A.
On 2th of July JULY 2025 @ CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR, ITALAWAJODA, IJEBU-ODE.
The word of God tells us in Proverbs 18:21. “Death and life are the power of the tongue, they that love shall eat the fruit thereof”. *Yoruba Interpretation:- “Iku ati iye mbe ni ipa ahon, awon eniti o si nlo o yio je ere re”*
What we say, and the things we talk about most frequently and naturally, reveal what is in our mind and what dominates our thinking, Prov.23:7. For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he, and out of the abundance of the heart, the heart speaketh:- Mat:-12:34
There are many potential consequences of the ways in which we can use our tongues. As Christians, the Bible gives us warning and guidance regarding the use of our tongues.
The tongue is a comparatively small part of the human body BUT it has the great power. James 3:6 says the tongue is a fire and world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members that it defileth the whole body, and setetth on fire the course of nature, and it is set on fire of hell, James 3:7 even says:- For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea is tamed, and hath been tamed by mankind. BUT in James 3:8, the tongue can no man tame, it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. This is telling us to be very careful and learn to tame how you engage your tongue. In James 3:10, Out of the same mouth, proceedeth Blessings and Cursings. Brethren, these things ought not to be so: ” Orisun ahon a ma sun omi tutu ati omiro jade lati ojusun Kanna wa bi?
A tongue under control is evidence of spiritual maturity. When a brethren is living close to God, in submission and obedience to His will as revealed in the word of God, then the tongue will be used for good.
There is time to keep quiet and a time to speak. Eccl 3:7. Knowing when to speak and what to say and when to remain silent requires God’s wisdom. That wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, considerate, impartial and without hypocricy (James 3:17) Devoid of careless, unthinkable thoughts and evil speaking.
A few words, or sometimes only a facial expression, can ruin another person’s reputation and cause great unhappiness and misery in that person’s life.
The consequences of evil words can be like a rapidly spreading fire. Evil speaking can affect every aspect of an individual’s life.
A Christian can be guilty of inconsistency and duplicity in his speech, using his tongue to bless God and also to curse man: Such use of tongue can damage and hurt those who are the victims of words spoken and will ADVERSELY affect the speaker himself. The Bible in Lev.19:16 and Pro.6:19 says: ” We must be careful and be warned ‘ not to go up and down as talebearer or sow discord among brethren:- (rumour mongers, bad news carrier, concocting stories and fallacies.
We need to be very careful of this evil practice. The tongue can be full of deadly poison: James 3:8
It is so easy to sin by speaking unwisely or telling lies. We should consider the implications and the impact before we speak and ask yourself if it true, fair, kind, honest and necessary and why are you saying it.
When you use your tongue for sinful purposes:- deliberate lies, story fabrication for monetary fraud, concocting stories for deceits or financial greed. 1 Cor. 10:12 says: ‘ wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth takes heed lest he fall”.
*WE SHOULD SPEAK TO HONOUR THE SPIRIT OF GOD IN US*
A Christian speech should always be with grace: Col.4:6. The thing we say or do not say reveal our spiritual condition. If we are to witness effectively to the saving grace of Our Lord and Savior, our speech must be wise and gracious.
Let your speech be courteous and polite irrespective of where you are, what you are doing, whom you are speaking to. In Eph 4:29.”Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the heaven. If we speak graciously and if our speech is seasoned with salt, it will be pure and free from corruption”
Whatever statements you utter from your mouth goes beyond ordinary listening purposes.
The way you speak reflects the way you think. Your maturity influences the way you speak. As Christians engage more in Bible reading, attending bible fellowship and imbibe the spirit of God for more understanding in meaningful way of life which will definitely sharpen your utterances to the glory of God.
