The simple act of controlling your mouth can protect you from many forms of conflict, misfortune and destruction.

The mouth has two important functions connected with discipline: it produces words, and it receives food and drink. What comes out of the mouth can influence relationships and destiny, while what enters it can influence the condition of the body and mind.

Therefore, learning to control the mouth is both a physical responsibility and a spiritual practice.

Unguided Words Can Destroy

Careless speech, uncontrolled utterances and destructive words can damage relationships, disturb families and create consequences that continue for generations.

Words spoken in anger cannot always be withdrawn. They may destroy trust, expose sacred matters, provoke conflict or create wounds that remain long after the argument has ended.

Before speaking, ask:

• Is what I am about to say true?
• Is it necessary?
• Is this the proper time to say it?
• Will it correct the situation or make it worse?
• Am I speaking from wisdom or reacting from anger?
• Can I communicate firmly without becoming destructive?

Controlling the mouth does not mean remaining silent in the face of injustice or abuse. It means choosing words carefully and speaking with purpose, dignity and self-control.

Use your mouth to pray, encourage, teach, bless and communicate truth. Do not allow it to become an instrument of gossip, humiliation, hatred or unnecessary conflict.

Discipline What Enters the Mouth

The mouth must also be disciplined in relation to food and drink.

Excessive alcohol, beer, wine, sugary drinks, sweets and heavily processed foods may negatively affect health when consumed irresponsibly. Eating without awareness or repeatedly consuming foods that do not suit the body may also contribute to preventable health problems.

However, carbohydrates, starches and individual foods are not universally harmful. Their effects depend upon the type of food, quantity consumed, preparation, overall diet and the health needs of each person.

The lesson is not to fear food. It is to practise moderation and develop the discipline to recognize what strengthens or weakens your individual body.

Eat with awareness. Avoid drunkenness and harmful excess. Choose nourishing foods when possible, drink adequate water and seek qualified medical or nutritional advice when managing a health condition.

Food should support life rather than become a source of uncontrolled indulgence.

Train the Mind to Recognize Blessings

The human mind can deny uncomfortable truths and become occupied with doubt, fear, worry and anxiety. Yet the mind also possesses the ability to learn, change and recognize possibilities beyond present circumstances.

Your mind carries a sacred creative capacity. Use it wisely.

Train your mouth, but also guide your mind. Teach it to recognize miracles, opportunities and blessings even when they still appear far away.

Trust in your survival. Believe in the possibility of victory. Maintain faith in the Higher Power and cultivate confidence in the meaningful steps you are taking.

Faith should not deny reality. It should give you the courage to confront reality without surrendering to despair.

Do Not Allow the Mind to Lie Fallow

Spiritual wisdom is part of the foundation of your being. If it is neglected, the mind may become like uncultivated land.

A field that remains fallow may become filled with weeds. In the same way, an undisciplined mind may become overwhelmed by:

• fear and excessive worry;
• doubt and anxiety;
• anger and resentment;
• sorrow and hopelessness;
• expectations of failure; and
• persistent negative thinking.

The solution is not to hate or punish the mind. It is to cultivate it.

Just as a farmer removes weeds and plants useful seeds, we must remove destructive patterns and replace them with prayer, knowledge, gratitude, constructive thoughts and disciplined action.

Mental health difficulties are not moral failures. Prayer and spiritual practice may offer support, while professional psychological or medical care can also be necessary and wise.

Train the Mind and Mouth Together

The mind and mouth can be trained through spiritual wisdom, physical alertness and sound divine practices.

The traditional path of spiritual development may include:

• prayer;
• responsibly practised fasting;
• sacrifice and ritual;
• offerings and propitiation;
• spiritual instruction;
• gratitude;
• self-examination; and
• understanding the mysteries of life through appropriate guidance.

These practices should be undertaken responsibly and, where necessary, under the guidance of a knowledgeable and trustworthy priest or elder.

Ritual must not replace personal responsibility. Prayer must be accompanied by action, and sacrifice must be supported by good character.

Movement Strengthens the Whole Person

Embrace physical activity today. Movement is more than ordinary exercise; it can support mental clarity, emotional stability and spiritual discipline.

Walk daily. Move the body. Develop strength according to your health and physical ability. Let each step remind you that stagnation does not fulfil destiny.

Physical movement can become a form of gratitude—a recognition that the body remains an instrument through which we work, serve and express our purpose.

Pray daily. Move daily. Learn daily. Improve your conduct daily.

Honour Ori and Your Spiritual Responsibilities

Follow the properly prescribed spiritual steps revealed for your individual path. When directed through trustworthy divination, honour Ori, make the appropriate offerings and complete necessary initiations or propitiations.

The traditional warning that we should give offerings so that we do not “become the object of sacrifice” should be understood as a call not to neglect our responsibilities until life forces us into painful correction.

Spiritual observance should support life, good character and wise decisions. It should never be used to frighten, manipulate or harm another person.

Cultivate Gratitude and Wisdom

The mysteries of life are embedded within spiritual wisdom. Therefore, continue learning and remain grateful.

Gratitude trains the mind to recognize support, opportunities and blessings. It does not require us to deny pain or pretend that every circumstance is pleasant. It reminds us that life still contains possibilities for transformation.

Control your words.
Guide your thoughts.
Eat and drink with awareness.
Move your body.
Pray with sincerity.
Honour Ori.
Fulfil your responsibilities.
Speak blessings into your life and the lives of others.

May spiritual wisdom guide your mind, discipline your mouth and bring blessings to you and those around you from generation to generation.

Àṣẹ.