Daily Manna 2014: Watch Your Words
Tuesday 07, January 2014
TEXT: PSALM 12:1-8
Key verse: “They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak” ( Psalm 12:2).
Disappointment, disagreement and destruction are some of the tragic occurrences in human history associated with the misuse of the tongue. Yet, it is quite surprising that many people have not learnt to refrain from unguarded speech.
The Psalmist raised some issues crucial to the happiness of all people. With genuine concern, he observed the absence of godly and faithful men whose presence would have sanitised the society and enhanced the morality of the people. It is no surprise then that God eventually arose to the help of the “oppressed.” It may sometimes take long, but God will not fail to come to the rescue of the oppressed and the less privileged. Every wise person is therefore encouraged to hold tenaciously to the word of God because it is trustworthy.
As opposed to trusting in God, the carnal man depends on other sources for success. This was what informed the Psalmist’s abhorrence of the proud who thinks his tongue belongs to him and it does not matter to what use he puts it. Many today still think this way and so misuse the gifts of God, especially the tongue.
Instead of destroying lives through thoughtless words, we can bless others. We can comfort and not curse. We can use this “comely part” to benefit others. The alternative is to use our tongues recklessly and risk God’s anger, especially as He has said that, “...every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” ( Matthew 12:36).
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Bless always and curse not.