“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge in it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words (Proverbs 18:21)”
Welcome to the Month of May, 2024.
I decree and declare that the grace to set a watch over your mouth, the doors of your lips, your tongue from evil and thy lips from speaking guile be released upon you now, in Jesus Name (Psalm 141:3; 34:13).
Introduction:
The tongue is a little member of our body, but as little as it is, it’s also very powerful when used appropriately.
The Bible liken it to the small helm in the ship, but as small as it is and as big as the ship is, it’s the one that controls the ship. It gives direction and stability to the ship despite the wind and storm (James 3:4).
The tongue also is a fire, a World of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and set on fire the course of nature; and it’s set on fire of hell (James 3:5-6).
As small as the tongue is, it has the capacity to defile your whole body, it can also lead you to hell fire (James 3:6)
The tongue is an unruly evil that if it’s not tamed, it can ruin our lives and destiny. It’s our responsibility to discipline our tongue.
The Bible said we are ensnared with the word of our mouth (Proverbs 6:2).
Proverbs 18:21 says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue”. The tongue can be used as a weapon to harm and destroy or as a tool to build and heal.
Use your tongue wisely to build your life to enable you fulfil destiny maximally in Jesus Name
Prov.18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.
James 3:6 (KJV)
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
James 3:8 (KJV)
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly
Psalms 34:13 (KJV)
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
Proverbs 15:2 (KJV)
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
James 1:26 (KJV)
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
Psalms 12:3 (KJV)
The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:
Psalms 141:3 (KJV)
Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
What are the powers of the tongue in the bible?
Psalm 37:30
The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, And his tongue talks of justice,
Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness,
Proverbs 21:23
Whoever guards his mouth and tongue, keeps his soul from troubles. But no man can tame the tongue.
Why is controlling the tongue important?
Controlling your tongue is not easy, but it is important. Our words have the power to heal or harm, and it is up to us to choose which path we take. By being mindful of what we say and how we say it, we can build stronger relationships and create a positive environment for ourselves and those around us.
Benefits of using the tongue positively:
1. It brings Edification
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 hearers.
2. It brings Correction
3. It can make or mar you
4. It can promote or lift other’s up.
5. To Praise God (James 3:9; Psalm 148; 149; 150)
6. To Pray to God
(a) for wisdom (James 1:5-6)
(b) for help for those in trouble (James 5:13-16)
(c) for healing (James 5:14-15)
(d) for large requests (James 5:17- 18)
(e) for backsliders to be restored (James 5:19-20)
7. To Sing for the Lord (James 5:12; Psalm 51:14)
8. To Witness for the Lord (Psalm 107:2; Acts 1:8)
Disadvantages of using the tongue wrongly:
Our tongue is a small but immensely powerful member of our body.
1. It can open doors of attack
2. You can be ensnared by the words of your mouth (Proverbs 6:2)
3. Our tongue has the power to tear other’s down.
4. Blaming God when tempted to do wrong (James 1:13-14). God never tempts us to sin, temptation arises when a man is lured away by his own lust or desires.
5. Grumbling, Complaining and Murmuring against God and each others (James 4:12; 5:9; Romans 14:12-13)
6. Swearing or Blaspheming (James 5:12)
Your tongue is a powerful tool or weapon that can build or cause destruction, so use it wisely.
Your tongue might be small, even invisible, but it can chart the course of our lives for good or evil.
The Bible says that the tongue is “a small part of the body” (James 3:5), yet it “defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of our life” (James 3:6).
And Jesus himself said “It is not what enters the mouth that defiles the person, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles the person” (Matthew 15:11).
Our tongue is a powerful tool that can be used to build up or tear down. It has the power to ignite personal conflicts and destroy relationships and it has the power to bring healing and blessings to others.
If you want to promote spiritual health in yourself and others, you must pay attention to what comes out of your mouth as much as what goes in.
Proverbs 13:2-3 (KJV)
A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
Prayers:
1. Decree that your tongue shall not be an instrument of guile and defilement throughout this month and your life time.
2. Pray that your tongue shall be an instrument of blessing (Number 6:22-27)
3. Pray for the power to discipline your tongue in your walk with God & humanity.
4. Pray that your tongue will speak justice and truth (Psalm 37:30)
Prophecies:
* I decree and declare that your portion, allocation and inheritance that belongs to you this month shall be given to you in Jesus Name.
* I decree and declare that the power of the Spirit of God shall preserve you throughout this month in Jesus Name.
* I decree and declare that your mouth shall sing of God’s faithfulness, goodness and benevolence throughout this month in Jesus Name.
Pastor Onoja is of Global Impact Revival Assembly International, P. O. Box 16504 Zone 3, Wuse-Abuja, FCT, Nigeria. E-mail: onojaaf@yahoo.com; Tel. Nos: +234(0)8055842594; +234(0)7034893475.