Adam tutored Eve in the affairs of the garden. She understood from God’s point of view what the limits are – including the dos and the don’ts. The serpent knows that it’s quite easy to engage a woman in conversation and took advantage of the situation – he paid Eve a visit. He used his advanced questioning technique with emphasis and asked Eve only one question:
“..And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1 NKJV)
Eve gave room for more conversation by telling the serpent four vital information: they may eat fruits from the trees in the garden, they are not allowed to eat from a particular tree, the location of the tree – in the middle of the garden and the consequences of touching the tree or eating from its fruit.
Eve gave an honest answer to the serpent’s question, but she did not answer with wisdom – she has said too much. She did not bridle her tongue thereby giving the serpent the opportunity to continue tempting her. To bridle your tongue means to curb or restrain your tongue. In other words, “Think before you speak”.
“Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words…]” (James 1:19 AMP)
Be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit when talking so you don’t say things that you did not intend to say, thus revealing secrets you should have kept between yourself and your spouse. Using your tongue rightly is knowing what to say, when to say it and when to keep quiet.