As we discuss the many reasons why we should speak in tongues, let me include an important one here: Speaking in tongues helps to submit the tongue. And I believe we all agree that our tongues need to be submitted!

“But the tongue, no man can tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:8

So what is the connection between speaking in tongues and this verse? According to this verse, the tongue is the most difficult member of our body to control. Notice it is said that no man can tame the tongue. But God can!

Therefore, when you submit your tongue to the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues, you take a giant step towards the total surrender of all your members to God. If you can submit the most undisciplined member to God, you can submit any member of your body to Him!

Think about it: the Bible describes the tongue as an “unruly evil” and “deadly poison”! Many Christians assume that the sexual members of the body are the most challenging to control. And they may even condemn other Christians who fail to control their sexual appetites while sinning just as seriously, or even worse, because of their uncontrolled tongue! Some people are always talking about other Christians and denigrating them. For example, a preacher may fall into immorality, and everyone in the church starts talking about it.

“Did you hear what the preacher did? Well, let me tell you all the terrible details!”

But extinguishing someone else’s candle does not light yours! Criticizing others and spreading gossip is also a serious sin. The Bible says that sins of the tongue are an abomination to God.

“There are six things that the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.” Proverbs 6:16-19

The conclusion is this: you can cause more damage and sins with your tongue than with any other member of your body. But the more you pray in tongues, the more you will learn to submit your tongue to the Holy Spirit—and the easier it will be for you to speak only words that build others up in every situation.

This text is an excerpt from the book “The Power of Speaking in Tongues: Everything you want to know about Speaking in Tongues” written by Kenneth Erwin Hagin.

We invite you to read the following article “Praying in tongues protects you from the contamination of the world.”