Watch What You Say

Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. Ephesians 4:29 (The Message)

Our conversation as Christian’s is important and as such we should be aware of everything thing that we say. In the book of Proverbs, the writer consistently talks about wise speech. Proverbs 18:4 (KJV) says “The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.” In essence, this scripture simply means that wise speech is like a never-ending flow of God’s blessings. Wise speech should be supportive, promoting, and encouraging.

Have you ever felt warm and fuzzy when someone has said beautiful words to you? Those words made you feel on top of the world and they made you feel like you really mattered to someone. On the contrary, have ever you felt like slithering away into a hole when someone has spoken harsh words to you, words that made you feel that there was nothing you could do right? Words play an important part in how people perceive us. Words can help and words can harm. They have a lasting effect on the person they were spoken to.

As believers, no foul or corrupt language should come from our mouths. As new creatures in Christ, the old man should no longer rule our attitudes, actions, behaviors and speech. We should be aware of taking off the clothes of the old self and putting on or dressing ourselves in the new man daily. How do we dress our speech in the new man’s speech? Words of inspiration, words that elevate, words that edify, and gracious words are all words the new man in Christ uses with his fellow brothers and sisters. We should never seek to tear down or destroy with our words, but to build up. My grandmother used to say, “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.” Solomon says it so eloquently in Proverbs 18:21 (The Message), “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.”

Excerpt from: ”Water for the Thirsty Soul” by B. F. Gilder (Copyright 2012)

Power in Words

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].

Proverbs 18:21 (Amplified)

Because life and death are in the power of the tongue, we need to be mindful of what we speak. We need to be accountable for the words that find their way from our lips.

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

Psalm 141:3 (King James Version)

In order for good things to come from our mouth, we must constantly think on good things, positive things, and those things that the Word of God says we can do and who we are. Philippians 4:8 (KJV) says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

• I am more than a conqueror.  (Romans 8:37)
• I can do all things through Christ. (Philippians 4:13)
• I am a child of God. (John 1:2)
• I can find grace and mercy when I need it. (Hebrews 4:16)

Be mindful of the things you say to family and friends.

• I appreciate you.
• I love you.
• Thank you.
• I am sorry.
• Can I help you?

REMEMBER WORDS ARE POWERFUL, THEY CAN BUILD UP OR THEY CAN TEAR DOWN.