ESOCS Devotional 19 May 2024 – Hold Your Tongue Under Control
MEMORY VERSE: “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.” 1 Peter 3:10 KJV
TEXT: 1 PETER 3:8-22
8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For
“He who would love life
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.
11 Let him turn away from evil and do good;
Let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.
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The scripture in Matthew 12:36-37 admonishes that we should be careful of what we say, and how we say them. The reason is that the words we speak will either condemn us or acquit us on the Day of Judgment. Moreover, of special concern to Jesus in Matthew 12:30 is that any form of abuse or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an unpardonable sin forever.
The tongue is one of the most powerful members or organs of the human body. Hence, the man of wisdom in Proverbs 18:21 declares that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Apostle James in James 3:2-12, gives an extensive exposition of the power of the tongue. Here, the tongue is described as having extreme constructive, as well as destructive powers. The use of the tongue has been so abused by men, to the extent that, with the tongue they bless and appreciate God; and with the same tongue, they curse and abuse men (James 3:9). This is totally contradictory and unacceptable to God.
From numerous other supportive references from scripture, we have come to the understanding that there is so much power in the tongue. These include the power to kill, and the power to make alive; the power to wound and to heal; to create and to destroy; to liberate and to enslave; to loose and to bind; to promote or to demote; to increase or to decrease; to bless or to curse; to get into trouble and stay out of trouble; and the opportunity to make heaven, or to languish in a burning hell forever. Little wonder verse 8 of our text today warns that whoever wants to enjoy life to the fullest, and witness many happy days, should keep his tongue from speaking evil.
By reason of the above-cited complex characteristics of the tongue, the scriptures guide on the strategies for proper tongue management and control as follows: Be quick to listen, but slow to speak (James 1:19). Much talk leads to sin, so talk less (Proverbs 10:19). There is time to speak and to keep silent (Ecclesiastes 3:7b). Tongue control is an indication of commendable Christian standard (James 1:26). Tongue control is a key to long life (1 Peter 3:10). Jesus says, we should bless those who curse us (Luke 6:28). Tongue control is a guarantee to eternal life (Matthew 12:37).
Therefore, control your tongue and live, even unto eternal life.
- The tongue can lead you to prosperity or abject poverty. Do you believe?
- Lord Jesus, give me the grace to control what I say.
Further Reading: Exodus 10:12-29; 1 Kings 22:1-28; 2 Thessalonians 2:14-13-17
ESOCS Devotional 19 May 2024
