“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21).
We’ve all heard the phrase “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Nothing could be further from the truth.
Words are powerful. We’ve all, no doubt, been wounded at some point by careless, unkind words. Their effect on our lives, even years later, is undeniable. No matter how much we deny it, it still makes us cringe to think on it. The impact our words cannot be overstated. One small comment or remark can make the difference between building a relationship up or tearing it down. We have the power to either encourage or destroy others with our speech.
People die because of something said. Tongues can be weapons of destruction. Tongues can also be the death of marriages, families, friendships, careers, hopes, and reputations.
But people also live and are blessed because of something said. The tongue can be “a tree of life” (Proverbs 15:4). Tongues reconcile people thus making peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). Tongues can make marriages sweet, families strong, and friendships healthy. Tongues can give hope and lift up a despairing soul, grant understanding, and spread the gospel.
So what will come out of your mouth today, death or life, blessing or cursing?
It will all depend on what’s filling your heart. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). A critical heart produces a critical tongue. A self-righteous heart produces a judgmental tongue. A bitter heart produces a sharp and sarcastic tongue. An ungrateful heart produces a grumbling tongue.
“The words you speak will all depend on what’s filling your heart." But a loving heart produces a gracious tongue. A faithful heart produces a truthful tongue. A peaceful heart produces a reconciling tongue. A trusting heart produces an encouraging tongue.
So fill your heart with grace by meditating on God’s Word. We all need to take heed to this prayer. “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” (Psalm 141:3).
Today, make your mouth “a fountain of life” (Proverbs 10:11). Be “slow to speak” (James 1:19). Encourage more than being critical. Seek opportunities to speak kind words (Ephesians 4:32). Speak affirming words to a loved one at an unexpected time. Seek to only speak words that are “good for building up,” that “give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). Be a person who makes a difference in this world, whose mouth is full of life. Turn the negativity to positivity and watch what happens around you.
We’ve all heard the phrase “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Nothing could be further from the truth.
Words are powerful. We’ve all, no doubt, been wounded at some point by careless, unkind words. Their effect on our lives, even years later, is undeniable. No matter how much we deny it, it still makes us cringe to think on it. The impact our words cannot be overstated. One small comment or remark can make the difference between building a relationship up or tearing it down. We have the power to either encourage or destroy others with our speech.
People die because of something said. Tongues can be weapons of destruction. Tongues can also be the death of marriages, families, friendships, careers, hopes, and reputations.
But people also live and are blessed because of something said. The tongue can be “a tree of life” (Proverbs 15:4). Tongues reconcile people thus making peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). Tongues can make marriages sweet, families strong, and friendships healthy. Tongues can give hope and lift up a despairing soul, grant understanding, and spread the gospel.
So what will come out of your mouth today, death or life, blessing or cursing?
It will all depend on what’s filling your heart. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). A critical heart produces a critical tongue. A self-righteous heart produces a judgmental tongue. A bitter heart produces a sharp and sarcastic tongue. An ungrateful heart produces a grumbling tongue.
“The words you speak will all depend on what’s filling your heart." But a loving heart produces a gracious tongue. A faithful heart produces a truthful tongue. A peaceful heart produces a reconciling tongue. A trusting heart produces an encouraging tongue.
So fill your heart with grace by meditating on God’s Word. We all need to take heed to this prayer. “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” (Psalm 141:3).
Today, make your mouth “a fountain of life” (Proverbs 10:11). Be “slow to speak” (James 1:19). Encourage more than being critical. Seek opportunities to speak kind words (Ephesians 4:32). Speak affirming words to a loved one at an unexpected time. Seek to only speak words that are “good for building up,” that “give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). Be a person who makes a difference in this world, whose mouth is full of life. Turn the negativity to positivity and watch what happens around you.
