Has your tongue ever gotten you in trouble? Examine the following verses to get a glimpse of how God views the words you speak.
- “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.” Psalms 34:12-13 (NIV)
- “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.” Prov 13:3 (NIV)
- “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Prov 18:21 (NIV)
- “Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalms 141:3 (NIV)
- “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Prov 10:19 (NIV)
- “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.” Prov 17:27 (NIV)
In light of these verses, let’s open another door. Have you wounded anyone with your words? Words have the power to build up or tear down. Words have the power to encourage or to deflate. Your words can bring healing or your words can bring harm.
- “If you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor!” Prov 6:2-3 (NIV)
In humility, go to the person you have wounded with your words and acknowledge your guilt. Ask for their forgiveness and watch God do a reconciling work in your relationship. Even if the person does not respond like you desire, do the right thing to honor God. God’s way is always the best option!
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Executive Pastor