Words can stick in a person’s mind, heart, and spirit long after the words have been spoken. Hurtful words are derogatory, insulting and damage relationships. There is need for us to tame our tongues. Hurtful words can undermine the mental and emotional health of others. Since words influence others positively or negatively, taking care of how and when we speak is an important skill in communication and building relationships. “How do you control your tongue?” BETTY AMUKPO asks. Some children respond. Excerpts.
‘I control my tongue by evaluating my words’
The tongue is an unruly evil full of deadly poison. As a child of God, I control my tongue by evaluating my words, believing in my words, always pressing ahead on a good guard and trusting in God. (James 3:8)”Only by the Grace of God in your life can you seek to control your speech” (Philippians 4:13)”I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me”
• Umennadi Francis Chibunna
‘Shun lying and say what is right’
I control my tongue by refraining from not talking too much and also knowing what to say at the right time. Shun lying and by saying what is right, using my tongue to prophesy the word of God. Also, the Book of Psalm 34:12-13 says; “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.” The worded biblical verse has been my watchword and guide.
• Gideon Eyinade
‘Let everyone be quick to listen and slow to speak’
You can control your tongue by thinking critically about what you want by saying only what is appropriate. It is advised, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” If you can’t think of anything positive to say, then just smile politely, nod, and subtly change the subject. According to some Bible references: “If you want to get out of trouble, be careful what you say” (Proverbs 21:23).” “A gentle answer quiets anger, but harsh one stirs it up.” “Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit.” (Proverbs 15:1, 4). “Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.” (Ephesians 4:29). It’s impossible for people to hide who they are for long—their words will always reveal what’s in their hearts. According to Christ, a good tree cannot produce bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. “Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger,” James 1:19.
• Okononfua Bryan
‘It’s about instilling discipline in the use of the tongue’
According to Proverbs 18:21, “A gentle tongue is a tree of life but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” Controlling our tongue is about verbal control. It is about instilling discipline into this area of our body. Speaking words of encouragement. Lord help me control my tongue; help me to be careful about what I say. Those who control their tongue will have a long life. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit,” Proverbs 12:18. “Lord, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord, my rock and my redeemer,” Psalm 19:14.
• Anita Chima
‘Refrain from gossip and slander’
Controlling the tongue is vital for wise speech, we must be mindful of our words, speaking with kindness, truth, and love (Proverbs 21:23, Ephesians 4:29). We should also refrain from gossip and slander (James 4:11). Seeking wisdom through prayer, studying scriptures, and yielding to the Holy Spirit’s guidance can help us restrain our tongues (Proverbs 10:19). It is better to speak slowly and quick to listen James 1:19.
• Dorcas Sobayo
‘Speak words that encourage, comfort, and inspire people’
We always have a choice when we speak. God has given us the incredible freedom to choose our words. Some words bring darkness and despair, and are rooted in fear. Some words bring light and hope. To control our tongue, we should dedicate our mind and tongue daily to the Lord, pray that God should give you a consciousness of our words (Psalm 141:3), ask for forgiveness for any unloving words and practice speaking words that will encourage, comfort and inspire people.(Ephesians 4:29). Our tongue should be for blessing and not cursing.
• Sharon Okonkwoh
‘I control my tongue by saying only what is appropriate’
I control my tongue by thinking what I want but saying only what is appropriate. Proverbs: 12 says, “Whoever derides their neighbour has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.” I stand by advice, if I don’t have anything to say, I don’t say anything at all. If I can’t think of anything positive to say, then I just smile politely, nod and subtly change the subject.
• Stephen Victory
‘Don’t speak when you are angry, consider the consequences of your words before you say them’
The tongue is one of the smallest organs in the body, as little as it is, it can destroy a whole nation. It is one of the most powerful weapons of destruction. In Psalm 34:12-13 it is written, “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies” While Proverbs 18:21 states, “Words can tear down or build up”. Thus, we can control our tongue by being mindful of what we say, if we are angry, we shouldn’t speak at that time in order not to hurt people with our words, instead we should calm down first before we speak. We should always seek the Holy Spirit when we want to say or communicate so as to always say and use the right words. We should always be positive about life and people. This is because our words can become life. If you proclaim negatives to one’s life, it will surely happen. So let’s always stay positive in life. We should always consider the consequences of our words before we say them. Words are powerful. I pray we learn to tame our tongue and may the good Lord continually lead us aright. Amen. This prayer is very helpful “Dear Lord, I pray that you set a guard over my mouth, that only words that honour you will cross my lips. May my words bring help and healing to others. Amen
• Victoria Okefe