Verse of the Day: Proverbs
18:21 Death and life are in the
power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Have you ever said
something and immediately regretted it? Maybe said something to someone, and
years later found out that the person had been deeply wounded by what was said?
Perhaps someone has said something to us that has wounded us so profoundly that
it stayed with us for years, and even affected the way we thought of ourselves
or changed us in a negative way? By the same token, maybe words were spoken
that encouraged us and was life changing. What a blessing to know that words of
encouragement we have shared made a great difference in someone else’s life. The
Bible is very clear that the tongue can either be a blessing or a curse, and
can cause death or life, depending on how we use our words. The Word of God
tells us that the tongue, although small, is untamable, and can start a great
fire and is a deadly poison. Out of the same mouth comes cursing and blessings
(James 3). As born again believers, we must be very careful about the words we
speak. Proverbs reminds us that whatever fruit we sow with our words is the
fruit we will eat. When we speak words that are spoken in anger, gossip, or for
the purpose of breaking others down (putting people down, speaking lies about
others, being false witnesses), we stand the chance of being involved in
arguments that could cause us to lose our lives, hurt others and break up long
standing and cherished relationships; potentially ruining our testimony for
Christ by being known as a hypocritical Christian who talks about others,
cusses, and speaks in a way that dishonors what we claim to believe, and Who we
claim to represent (Jesus). Too often, we do not take the time to think before
we speak, and as a result our words are frivolous and hurtful. For that reason,
we must especially be careful about the words we speak in anger, because once
they are said, we cannot take them back. On the other hand, we can speak words that
encourage others, give sound biblical advice (speak truth), and encourage
others to come to us, knowing that we are people who will bring words of
comfort and encouragement (speaking kindly). The bottom line is that we need to
use our words to bring life. We need to use our words to praise and thank God.
Our words should point others to Jesus. We are told to gather together, as
children of God, to encourage one another (Heb 10:24-25). Ephesians 4:29 tells
us that we are to avoid corrupt speech, and use our words to build each other
up, that it may give grace to the hearer. Sadly, a person who gossips, and
speaks negatively about others, easily begins to enjoy the drama that it
causes. Yet, is the same person that becomes angry when they know that someone
has gossiped about them. Let us put into practice daily using our words to
bless others. Let us practice daily praise and thanks to the Lord, and ask Him
to give us opportunities to lift up others with the way we talk to them (Prov
15:23; 25:11). Ultimately, we will all give an account for every idle word we
speak (Matt 12:36); and even for the words we use to teach (James 3:1-2). Our words
can solve problems or cause them. Whichever fruit we choose to produce, we will
eat thereof. Let us not be known as people who are continually in conflict
because of the words we speak. Let not pride be what guides our words toward
others, but let humility and prayer be what guides our tongue when speaking
with others. May our relationship with the Lord also help us to know when it is
best to be silent, and when it is best to speak. When we learn how to control
what we say, we show the kind of biblical maturity that will honor God (James
3:2).
No comments:
Post a Comment