Day 5 - Keeping your tongue from evil (Proverbs 18:21)

During this fast you may encounter situations where you will be challenged to use words that express your emotional disposition in a negative manner. You may be tempted to spew out insults in anger, release word curses unknowingly or to top it all off, wound another’s soul with criticism’s that take years to heal. Our tongue, as James quite rightly puts it, is unruly, powerful, influential and potentially dangerous (James 3:6). Which is why, Psalm 34:13, advises us to “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.” Death and life are in the power of the tongue. No wonder David said in Psalm 141:3-4, "Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies.” Our words matter, because our words act as a catalyst for change. Today in this fast we must understand God’s purpose for words and why we need to be conscious of how we use them. Scripture tells us that God purposed words to:

-Be an expression of his thoughts for human life ( Genesis 1:26)

- Govern created life ( Proverbs 18:4)

- Be fruitful and multiply for the purpose of replenishing the earth ( Genesis 9:1, 7)

-To express God’s Spirit and Glory ( John 1)

God’s words must glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31). When we speak to God and others, our words should testify of the nature of God and be acceptable before him (Psalm 19:14).

During this fast we must be careful with how we use our words. For this reason, here are some biblical verses to help you control your tongue.

• Rely on God: ( Philippians 4:13)
• Meditate upon the word of God (Psalm 119:11) - Hide God’s words in your heart so that Allow Christ to be formed in you (Colossians 1:27)
• Submit yourself under the leading of the Spirit of God ( Romans 12: 1-2)
• See God’s people, as God sees them ( Mark 12: 30-31)
• Pray in the Spirit (Jude 1:20)

Today in day 5 of this fast you have been called to deliver your tongue from the uncleanliness of negative speech. I am inviting you to forsake murmuring, complaining and evil talk, for a tongue purified by the word of God and governed by the Holy Spirit of Lord. God wants to use your tongue, as a source of life to edify others (Proverbs 10:21, Proverbs 12:18). He wants you to listen to the counsel of his Holy Spirit before you speak. So, why don’t you allow the Holy Spirit to help you, by directing your speech and cleansing your heart.

“The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense.” Proverbs 10:21

Let us Pray.

Father Lord help me to be quick to hear and slow to speak. Season my words with salt. As I open myself up to your Holy Spirit, help me to understand the voices and perspectives of others. Today, as I choose to actively listen and think about my responses to others. I also choose to reshape how I use my words. Holy Spirit, speak through me, compassionate, Spirit-led communication, in the name of Jesus.

Amen

For further studies during this fast: Read Matthew Chapter 13-15