Open Heaven Daily Devotional For January 8, 2026: Title - Don't Ensnare Yourself

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: Thursday, January 8th, 2026

TOPIC: DON’T ENSNARE YOURSELF

MEMORISE

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

(Proverbs 18:21)

BIBLE READING:

2 Samuel 1:1–16 (KJV)

(Text retained as read)

MESSAGE

There is a popular saying in Nigeria that everyone has freedom of speech, but freedom after speech is not guaranteed. As humorous as this sounds, it carries a deep spiritual truth. The Bible says in Proverbs 6:2:

Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth; thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

God gives us the liberty to speak, but He expects us to use our words wisely. Careless words can place a person in bondage and attract serious consequences.

Some years ago, a woman who had waited many years for the fruit of the womb spoke out of desperation. She told God, “Lord, just let me get pregnant once, and You can take my life on the day of delivery. I only want this reproach to end.” When it was time for her delivery, she came to the RCCG maternity clinic. Her labour lasted for days, and her condition became critical, so I was called to pray for her. As we spoke with her, we discovered the words she had spoken earlier. By that time, she no longer wanted to die. We cried to God for mercy, and He intervened. She delivered safely and went home alive with her baby. Had God not shown mercy, her own words could have become her undoing.

Today’s Bible reading tells us of a young Amalekite who was destroyed by his own confession. After Saul’s death, he ran to David and claimed that he had killed Saul, even though Scripture tells us Saul took his own life (1 Samuel 31:1–6). The young man thought his words would earn him favour, but instead, they became his death sentence. David ordered his execution because his mouth testified against him for claiming to have killed the Lord’s anointed.

Beloved, be very careful with the words you speak, especially when you are emotional. Do not allow excitement, joy, anger, frustration, or sorrow to push you into saying things that can trap you spiritually or damage your destiny. I pray that God will always grant you wisdom and grace in your speech. May your words never bring you into bondage, in Jesus’ name.

KEY POINT

Your words can get you into trouble. Be careful what you say.

AUTHOR: Pastor E. A. Adeboye

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 26–28