POWER OF THE TONGUE. - by Abisola Oladimeji

The tongue, though small in size, holds immense power—perhaps more than any other instrument of the human body. With it, we forge relationships or destroy them, inspire greatness or incite despair, and build futures or shatter dreams. It is the vehicle of speech, the medium through which thoughts take shape and influence the world. From everyday conversations to political declarations, from whispered encouragements to venomous rumors, the tongue becomes a conduit of both creation and destruction. At its best, the tongue is a tool of healing. A kind word at the right time can rescue someone from the edge of hopelessness. Encouragement can spark confidence in a struggling soul. Words of wisdom, passed down through generations, preserve culture, tradition, and identity. Think of the speeches that galvanized nations, the sermons that stirred spiritual awakenings, or even the simple “I believe in you” that changed the trajectory of someone’s life. The tongue brings truth into the open, gives form to love, and reinforces the bonds of community. It is no exaggeration to say that life and death are in the power of the tongue. But just as it can bless, the tongue can curse. A single malicious rumor can ruin a reputation built over decades. Cruel insults can leave emotional scars that linger long after physical wounds heal. Lies and manipulations can destroy trust, spread fear, or incite violence. Throughout history, the misuse of speech has been the seed of wars, social divides, and moral downfalls. Words, once spoken, cannot be unspoken. They take root, grow, and influence the world around them—often in ways we never intended or imagined. The power of the tongue also lies in its subtlety. Not all damage is loud and immediate. Sarcasm, passive aggression, and silence used as punishment can erode relationships slowly. Likewise, consistent, gentle affirmations can build resilience and foster inner strength over time. The tongue, therefore, is not just powerful in moments of high drama—it is potent in the quiet, everyday rhythms of life. Self-awareness and discipline are crucial. Mastery of the tongue is mastery of the self. To speak with integrity, compassion, and truth requires inner strength and conscious restraint. It’s easy to let anger or pride dictate our words, but it takes wisdom to speak only what uplifts, instructs, or lovingly corrects. In spiritual traditions, particularly in the Bible, the tongue is seen as a force of spiritual consequence: "The tongue is a fire... It corrupts the whole body" (James 3:6). Yet it is also a tool that, when guided by divine wisdom, becomes an agent of grace and righteousness. In today’s world, where speech extends beyond physical conversations into texts, posts, and broadcasts that can reach millions instantly, the power of the tongue is magnified. A tweet can uplift a movement or destroy a career. A viral video can bring justice or spark outrage. Words now move at the speed of light, and with that speed comes the greater need for responsibility. Ultimately, the power of the tongue is a sacred trust. It reflects the heart from which it speaks. The challenge, then, is not to silence the tongue, but to train it—so that when we speak, our words become seeds of healing, bridges of understanding, and sparks of transformation. We must ask ourselves: Do our words bring light or darkness? Do they build or break? Do they reflect truth or merely echo noise? To speak is to create. The tongue holds power—so let it be the power of life.

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