Topic: Speaking unadvisedly
Bible Reading: Psalm 105-106; Romans 15:1-21.
Memory Verse: “They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes: [33] Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.” Psalm 106:32-33 (KJV).
Several people have created serious problems for themselves by the words of their mouth. They have spoken before thinking and it was too late for them to withdraw what had been said. This is why the Bible says in James 3:2 (KJV), “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. “
Explaining the feature of the tongue, Apostle James said in James 3:5-6 (KJV), “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! [6] 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.” The tongue has affected the destiny of several negatively. The Bible tells us of the twelve spies sent to Canaan, the promised land by Moses, ten of them came to give very negative report. In Numbers 13:32-33 (KJV), “And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. [33] And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” This report led to the revolt by Israelites against Moses and God did not allow any of them to get to the promised land except their children and the duo of Joshua and Caleb who gave good report!
Beware of what you say, particularly when you are angry. It is better you keep quiet until your anger cools down. Moses spoke out of anger to the Israelites saying “Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?“ and hit the rock ( Numbers 20:9-12) and God said he will not get to the promised land and he never did! This is why the Psalmist reiterated in Psalm 106:32-33 (KJV), “They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes: [33] Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.”
God has given us the Holy Spirit to tame the tongue in this dispensation. Remember, temperance is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. So, whenever any situation arises that will cause you to speak against the word of God, please close your mouth and listen to the Holy Spirit within you. The Teacher will teach you how to respond in such situations.
Prayer point: Father, please help me to develop self control so that I will not sin against you with my tongue in the mighty name of Jesus.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero