Tongue and Talking

The tongue is an association with the word of the mouth. It affects our relationship with others and also affects our lives for good or bad. Our tongue is used for edification and at the same time, criticism. The same tongue we use to bless is the same tongue we use to curse. The tongue is small but important. It can be compared with a little spark which can set a whole pile of coal ablaze. The same care we give our physical appearance should be the same care we should give our tongue. A word from our mouth speaks volumes about our heart. One’s words are the mirror of his heart. Do you notice that the first thing the doctor says is: "Let me see your tongue." Why so? This is because some diseases are detected by the appearance of the tongue.

This also happens as a test of one’s spiritual condition. Your tongue portrays your personality. If Christ were to ask the same question as the doctor, how would you react? In the case of Peter’s denial of Christ, was it not his speech that betrayed him? {Matthew 26:73}

Our accent depicts our tribe,

Our choice of words portrays our educational background,

Our conversation reveals our personality and so does

Our topic of discussion brings to light our top interests in life.

What is your tongue saying about you and another person? Does it praise you? He who pats himself on the back risks a broken arm. Have you not heard that you don’t judge a man until you hear him talk? Proverbs 6:16-19 gives a list of 7 things the Lord does not like. It has also put forth "A lying tongue" as the second and not even the last. Lying, boasting, gossiping, cursing, slandering, false accusations are all sins of the tongue. Envy is a feeling of resentment aroused because of another person’s qualities, possessions or position and the desire to have them for one’s self. People sell off themselves through their tongues. A heart full of love has no room for envy. When someone lies or boasts; he does not do right because at the end of the day when the truth is out the person’s personality is tarnished. This is not the case with slandering someone’s personality. It hurts and injures the victim. The person’s image is damaged. His dignity and pride is taken away from him just like a king is stripped of his honour. Not just that, the person may become socially unaccepted.

A 36 year old marriage was broken because of lies and rumours spread about the couple. What do you think God will do to the rumour mongers? It is only fools that accept all what they hear and a foolish person trying to keep a secret suffers like a woman in labour (Proverbs). Whenever he hears a secret, it is like an arrow is stuck in his leg (Sirach). So, my dears try and keep your mouth and ears shut on most occasions. We have to learn to love one another. If you judge someone, you will have no time to love them. "I will speak ill of no man but say all the good I know of him." We can all use our tongue to instruct, modify, share ideas and above all, GOSSIP the Gospel. We should always try to make Christ the topic of our discussion. When you are being let astray, bring Christ in. do not forget that whoever gossips about others to you will someday gossip to others about you. Seize every opportunity you have

each day to GOSSIP the Gospel.