Matthew 15:11 What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
“Talk less… Do more… Let your actions show what you’re against and what you’re for…” – Dusty Holcomb
Scientific research has proved that excessive talking causes cognitive fatigue, difficulty to concentrate, short-term memory loss, and poor decision making. More than the mental exhaustion, unnecessary words can cause damage to the soul. Hence it is extremely important to watch the words of our mouth.
‘The 3-S-Rule’ will balance the words that we speak. “Stop, Swallow and Speak”. Stop to listen; Swallow unwholesome words and Speak sensibly. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19). The primary function of our tongue is to talk. The boneless flexibility of the tongue helps us to speak, swallow and suck in a coordinated way. However, too much talking not only damages the vocal cords but also harms our soul, spoils relationships and causes cognitive fatigue. The tongue has to be disciplined to listen before it talks. Most arguments in our homes can be avoided if we listen more and think before we retort or react.
The Bible clearly says that we cannot tame the tongue with our willpower. But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men (James 3:8). Nevertheless when our tongue is surrendered to the Holy Spirit, He will bridle the tongue and discipline it to stop, swallow and speak sensibly and wisely. A horse without a bridle is wild whereas a horse on a bridle is graceful and powerful. Similarly, a tongue on the bridle will stop and think before making a nasty comment and speak sensibly with elegance, eloquence and etiquette.
Tame the Tongue:
1. Stop: Listening is crucial for effective communication. It helps us to process the information before we respond and build relationships. Listening patiently is an expression of empathy and respect. So, stop and listen. Reserve your thoughts until you get a turn to express your views.
2. Swallow: Swallow ugly thoughts and unwholesome words. Sharp words can trigger strife. A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire (Proverbs 15:1). Demons shoot fiery arrows of animosity and incite us to spit harsh words. Quench the fiery arrows with the helmet of salvation and the shield of faith. Don’t lower your standards to react to road rage, rude comments or slander. Swallow silly talk and sarcastic comments.
3. Speak: Speak to the benefit of the listeners. Bridle the tongue not to say too much or too less. Speak what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29b).
Surrender the tongue to the Holy Spirit to be bridled and disciplined. Speak words that would bless and benefit the listeners.
Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Prayer: Dearest Holy Spirit, bridle my tongue to speak gracefully and season my tongue with love and purity to bless and benefit others. Amen.
Leave a Reply