Proverbs 18:21
Words can bring death or life! Talk too much, and you will eat everything you say.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you remember the time you should have stopped talking, but you just kept going … digging yourself in deeper and deeper? Of course you do … we’ve all been there! Our reasons are endless … we thought we were helping … we were making a point … we were right, and we knew it! And sometimes, we simply thought we sounded pretty darn good and wanted to keep going!
We often speak before we think … or say too much or the wrong thing to someone. The devil loves to control us, and our speech is a really easy way for him to do this, because words are like toothpaste – once it’s out of the tube, there is no way to put it back. And if you have ever had to “eat” something you said … to apologize or retract a comment … you know how humbling and embarrassing this can be. Worse yet, it dishonors our faith!
Hear me carefully … there is a fine line between being witty and wicked. This is not about how much you talk, as much as it is about what you say and how you say it. I know people who don’t say all that much – but when they do, their words have a bite and an attitude to them that speaks volumes! I know others who talk all the time and never really say anything or give any real picture of who they are in Christ. God wants us to speak words of love, grace, mercy, and peace over others. He wants our words to be kind, thoughtful, constructive … and always truthful. The old adage, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything” applies.
In a court of law, words can literally bring death or life. In the life of a Christian, we are often known by our words. Will yours bring life and the good news of Jesus to others? Or will yours bring delight to the devil? Guard your thoughts and words carefully. Be sure those that escape your tongue are pleasing to God and honor His presence in your life.
©2010 Debbie Robus
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