Certainly, one of the hardest things to control at all times is the tongue. It is especially true when we get upset at someone – whether a co-worker, a store clerk, a spouse, or a child.

Yet, our Savior wants His children to exhibit control in that area as well. Either our tongues are under His control, or they are not. In fact, if He is not helping you control your tongue, then there is no telling what might come out of it if you are irritated by someone.

Proverbs 18:20,21 tells us that a person will reap what they sow with their tongue: “A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.“ Chances are that most people do not want to reap what they have sown with their words.

The One that we must be most concerned about pleasing with our speech is the Lord Jesus Christ. In Matthew 12:36,37, He tells us that He watches over what we say: “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”

The Lord gives us instruction on how we should use our tongues. He tells us in Romans 14:19: “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.“

Are you using your tongue to edify others? If not, are you willing to ask God to help control your tongue?