Let Your Words Be Life

“And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.” ‭‭James‬ ‭3:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The power of the tongue is more than we realize. The tongue only weighs about three ounces yet it is has such positive and negative potential. I have heard it said "sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me". In my opinion, that is the most foolish statement ever made. Negative words can destroy a marriage, demean a child, discourage a fellow man, and even start a war. On the positive side, however, they soothe a troubled mind, comfort a broken heart, heal deepest hurts, encourage, and even give life to a dying soul. I strongly urge you to analyze the words you speak. Are they negative? Do you complain a lot? Are you snappy, rude, or inconsiderate? Do you speak respectfully and thoughtfully? Are you more positive than negative? Do others find your presence to be a blessing or do you get on their nerves? To speak is a gift from God. There are those who only dream of being able to speak, such as those born mute and stroke victims. Do you use your words with care or carelessly? Are you gracious or disgraceful? Are you kind or unkind? Are you truthful with tact or are you a steam roller that simply vomits whatever you think all over others? God has given us a powerful tool in the tongue and we need to use it in the most righteous manner. We can use it to construct or we can use it to destroy. Because of our sinful nature, we have the tendency to be destructive rather than constructive. We may not be able to tame our tongue but the Holy Spirit can. The scriptures instruct us: “Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:20-21‬ ‭NLT ‬‬ “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭25:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬“ Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15:23‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness. The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good. Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15:1-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus said this about His words: "...And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” ‭‭John‬ ‭6:63‬bNLT ‬‬ God's Word gives life! Let your words be life today, not death. Choose, and use, them wisely. Ask the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your tongue today.