Death and life are in the power of the tongue… (Proverbs 18:21)
Have you noticed how a well spoken word, at a rightly chosen moment, can have such power and life? Lately I have allowed the words of others (or often lack thereof) to bring me down. I wasn’t conscious of this until recently.
I could not quite pin-point what was cultivating such a heavy spirit in me. Discouragement is a weighty foe. I know certain people who seem to be gifted in exhortation, and their words bring such a sense of hope and peace. (I need more of these people in my life.)
But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. (Matthew 15:18)
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)
I want my words to breathe life into people, not suck it out of them. Even the news, with such tragic events as we have experienced recently as a nation, has had such a depressing impact. It is not only the verbal words, but also those written and typed.
It is no surprise that the Bible speaks a lot on the power of your words. I have shared only a partial list, of those that come to mind most often. (But for a more extensive list, check here.) All of this to say, please chose your words carefully. Be intentional about encouraging others. Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. (Matthew 12:36-37)
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. (James 1:26)
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