BRIDLING YOUR TONGUE

Of all arts to master in life, the art of putting a bridle your tongue should never be left out. You going far in life depends on it and I'll tell you why in course of this article.

You might be asking what the word 'bridle' means.

Bridle is the headgear with which a horse is directed and which carries a bit and reins. 

Let me elaborate that...

I'm sure you've seen a horse been controlled before by its rider. A bridle is the leather like thing that's put on the mouth of a horse with a rein (something like a rope) attached to it which is held by the rider in other to control the movement and direction of the horse.

A bridle serves as a control system for a smooth ride on a horse just as the gear, brake and steering wheel are the control system of a vehicle.

I believe you got that explanation. 

Now, in the same manner you see a horse subjected to its rider by the help of a bridle, the tongue should be bridled too.

I've come to understand that whatever thing that needs a control has a high tendency of going haywire. It's state of not being controlled could cause a disaster. 

However, if you want such thing to operate in the manner you want it, you have to ensure you're in control of that thing by subjecting it to you.

A car without its steering wheel and brake heads toward a fatal damage. That's the same way your unbridled tongue can cost you heavily.

3] "Indeed we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.

4] Look also at ships; although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.

5] Even so the tongue is a little member and boast great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles.

(James 3: 3-5).

Verse 5 talks of the reason our tongues should be bridled. It's like a fire that can get a person's whole life brought down to ashes.

Yes! The tongue possesses such ability. It has the power to build and to destroy. It has the power to create and cause great damage.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." (Proverbs 18:21).

This is God's word not mine.

Okay!

I have another thing to say about this tongue...

See this;

"Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing, my brethren, these things ought not to be so." (James 3:10).

Many are guilty of this. The same mouth used to bless, to worship God and say beautiful things is used to hurl curses, instill fear and negatives on others. Yes! You can destroy other people too with your tongue.

Your tongue can destroy your children, your spouse, your friend's self-esteem, it can hamper their emotions, it can even cause someone to fall out of the faith.

Paul wrote some lines in his epistles about edifying one another and having our speech seasoned with salt in other to bless others. That's the very essence of your tongue. It should give hope, proclaim blessings, speak edification, and give life to your hearers, not the reverse.

Please, take advantage of the power your tongue posses (positively) and build yourself and others with your tongue. Your nice, comforting, edifying words can save someone's life.

Your tongue can tell you're either wise or foolish.

That's another point to consider about your tongue.

What it unleashes can tell if you're a wise or foolish person.

"The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness". (Proverbs 15:2).

A wise person says what need to be said at its appropriate timing, and he/she knows how to craft words that suits the current situation but a foolish person talks carelessly regardless.

The application of emotional intelligence is very much needed when you're speaking because it shows a great level of wisdom and maturity. Learn it. 

When you talk like a vehicle without brake, you hurt people's feelings and hamper your relationship with them unknowingly.

Hurling insults and using offensive words doesn't show wisdom at all. Demeaning people with your words, no matter your class or status is an automatic turn off. That alone degrades you before people. Just know that!

If you're finding it difficult to speak right, then start by staying silent in situations that makes you talk. Because even a foolish man is considered wise by his silence.

Lastly,

Never let your emotions control your tongue.

There are people who can't control the way they talk or what they say when emotional. They say the unsay which usually lands them in regrets.

Whenever you're faced with a situation that stir up negative emotions especially anger, try to stay mute.

Sometimes, emotions like depression and bitterness makes you say bad things about yourself or to other people, control it.

Remember, your words can attracts either life or death depending on the content of your words. Confession is a powerful tool for creation cause we build by our words. 

Now, imagine what happens when you only confess negative things about yourself, your children, your husband, your wife, your friend, etc. 

You know, I think you should rather control your emotions. Try daily to keep your emotions on the positive angle of the meter. When it's on the negative, it can affect your attitude as well as the way you talk and your confessions.

I say again...

Bridle your tongue.

Control it.

Cause if you're not careful, it will control you. 

And what takes place when that happens?

"Even so the tongue is a little member and boast great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles."

(James 3:5).

God bless you.