I have told this story about me before. My first time in Jos, Plateau state was 2010 during my service year. The position I held at that time demanded that I visit Jos once in a quarter for delegate meeting and reporting. That was the time Jos was engulfed in religious crisis.

I got to Jos at night just a few minutes before the curfew time started. The darkness was palpable and the city looked like a ghost town. Military men were at strategic points. I managed to get a taxi. While I was in the taxi, alone with the driver, I started a conversation about the wanton killings of Christians.

I have read about how Christians were slaughtered and churches were burnt. It gave me a deep concern so I did not restrain my tongue from speaking in a strange land to a strange man. I just started talking to the driver sharing my pains about how Christians aren't getting justice. This went on for minutes without response.  I noticed he became silent and cold towards me yet he drove on in darkness.

The journey became longer than I expected though I did not know where I was going but then, it occured to me that my destination was not in sight. I became apprehensive a little bit. Then I asked the driver, "are you a Christian or muslim"? He said, "I am a muslim". I froze on my seat and became silent. Several thoughts ran through my mind.

Here was I in a strange land with a strange man. What If he drove me to a place where i'll be killed or he stabs me right in his taxi and push out my dead body. No one would see him because everywhere was dark and lonely. Curfew had started. Miraculously, we got to my destination, paid him and he departed.

After that incident, the Lord taught me to bridle my tongue. In the public, I don't discuss sensitive issues neither do I discuss private matters. I have learnt to keep silent where speaking is not needed and to speak where silence is dangerous.  

If you can control your tongue, you can control your life.

No one can quote your silence on sensitive matters/ issues If you don't talk. One cheap way to put oneself in trouble with men is to talk carelessly. A fool is not known until he speaks. Keep silent If you have not processed your words.

Meditate on these scriptures.

James 1:26: "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless".

Proverbs 21:23: "Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble".