EVERYTHING WE NEED: Our Words Matter

      “The tongue has the power of life and death…” (Prov. 18:21 NIV). That’s a bold statement! How could our words be that powerful? This verse explains it pretty well: “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness… this should not be” (James 3:9-10). And it isn’t just our words that matter but our tone, as well. Either way, we can hurt feelings and crush a vulnerable spirit.

      As believers in Christ, what we say should build others up rather than tear them down — encourage rather than discourage. Without the help of the Holy Spirit, it is impossible for us to tame the tongue because, in certain situations, we can quickly spew out angry, unkind and insensitive words. We often preface them with “I shouldn’t say this, but...” or we insult, deride or even play a practical joke on someone and then try to cover it over with, “I was just kidding. Can’t you take a joke?” We may apologize but the damage is already done. Words might be forgiven, but they are hard to forget.

      The Bible says quite a bit about gossip. We are all guilty of it at one time or another. Here are a few examples: “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret” (Prov. 11:13). “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts” (Prov. 18:8). In other words, they can hurt deeply. Someone produced this great acronym: THINK — Is it True?Is it Helpful?Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary?Isit Kind? We should think before we speak so we won’t regret what we said later.

      What about bad language — curse words, inappropriate remarks, inuendo? These words reflect on a Christian’s character, casting doubt on his or her walk with the Lord. This verse, spoken by King David will help anyone struggling to overcome this behavior: “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth…” (Psalm 39:1). Solomon said it this way: “Keep your mouth free of perversity, keep corrupt talk far from your lips” (Prov. 4:23).

         “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name” (Exodus 20:7). It is a serious sin to use His name in vain, whether as a thoughtless, casual word to express surprise or dismay, irreverent talk, disdainful joking or attached to curse words. Words used like these show the ultimate dishonor for the holy God. We have no excuse, and this simply should not be.

      None of us are perfect. We are going to say the wrong things and use hurtful tones. We can overcome these unhealthy habits by asking the Lord to forgive us and to help us to keep our tongues in check.

      Here’s the good part, though — these are the words that uplift, encourage, bring healing and love to one another. “A gentle answer turns away wrath…” (Prov. 15:1). “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply — and how good is a timely word” (Prov. 15:23). “The words of the restless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Prov. 12:18). “May the words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight…” (Psalm 19:14).

      Having the distinct honor of being called children of God, our words must match our walk with Christ if we are to have any influence with other people — saved or lost. There are so many people who are hurting, sad, lonely or just feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders. We are told to speak only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs. We are not to grieve the Holy Spirit. We are to “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you” (Eph. 4:29-32). “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Prov. 11:25). How fulfilling it is to meet needs and strengthen others!

      There are many other verses on this subject, but they all give us everything we need to live a life pleasing to God.