The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:21
If you didn’t already know this about me, I love words. I love the way they sound. I love their meanings. I love to talk, and I love to write.
A few years ago I discovered the world of blogging, and God gave me this space where I could unleash my passion for words. I still get a thrill each time I have something to share from a Bible study I’m doing, or when I get to offer a nugget that I discovered during my quiet time. Sometimes I even giggle when I hit publish and see the draft become a reality.
There’s a lot at stake in what we say. Our words can give life, or they can cause death. Whether they’re written on a blog, or spoken from our mouth, the impact is great.
Words can destroy a friendship or a marriage.
They can separate a family, and snuff out a child’s dreams.
They can finish a career.
Divide a church.
Or end a person’s good reputation.
Words were meant to be a tree of life …
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life…
Proverbs 10:11
They can make a marriage thrive, a family strong, children flourish, and a friendship healthy. They can heal, offer understanding, give insight, bring comfort, and most importantly, share the glory of God.
They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.
Revelation 12:11
There was a time when I didn’t really care what kind of nonsense came out of my mouth. Reckless words that pierced like a knife. Verbal vomit. Diarrhea of the mouth. Loose lips. I’ve done it all, and it hasn’t gotten much easier since I’ve been a Christian. Taming my tongue is a war that I wage daily. Shrieking at kids that I say I love, and dishing out harsh, critical words for the guy that’s been by my side for two decades … well, when I put it out there like that, it’s seems kind of silly to think that tearing someone down would make anyone feel good. Never mind the record that God is keeping of every careless thing I say (Matthew 12:36).
Our words matter. They have incredible power, and therefore, so do we. The power of life or death.
A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples on a silver tray.
Proverbs 25:11
Remember the old saying that many of us used as kids, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” It isn’t true. Words can hurt. Some of us are living with the scars of hurtful words that someone spoke to us, or about us. Likewise, some of us are reaping a harvest from seeds that were sown after someone encouraged and loved us by using their words.
When we understand the power we have with our tongue, and we choose wisely how we use it, our lives can be transformed. Better still, so can the lives of others.
How will you chose to use your words today? Here are a few helpful tips that are sure to make a difference for you and the people you will encounter:
Refrain from attack words. Don’t use your mouth as a weapon and lash out at people. Use it instead to bless people.
Refrain from gossip. There is only one thing as difficult as unscrambling an egg, and that is unspreading a rumor. Remember, it’s better to talk to someone then it is to talk about them. Their story belongs to them, and it’s no ones job to tell it but them. If you do, check your motive.
Use clean words, words that build up, and truthful words.
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29
Jesus,
Thank you for Your Word that clearly teaches me how to use my words effectively. I chose to bless and be a light to others with the use of my words today. Help me to honor you with this comittment. Remind me when I’m weak that I can do all things through You. May my words be a tree of life, for Your glory.In Jesus Name