As Christians, we all need to be reminded of what the Bible says from time to time, and this is especially true when it comes to talking. The Apostle James said “We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.” (James 3:2, NIV). Here are a few other things to remember about our words:
- It is better not to talk too much. The Bible says that sin is unavoidable when there is much talk, but whoever seals his lips is wise (Proverbs 10:19, GW) and we’re also told that “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”(Proverbs 18:21, NLT). Proverbs 21:23 (ESV) buttresses this: “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” What about Proverbs 13:3 (GW)? “Whoever controls his mouth protects his own life. Whoever has a big mouth comes to ruin.”
- Blessing and cursing should not proceed from the same spring: We shouldn’t use the same mouths we use to bless, to curse. The Apostle James observes and comments on the way we sometimes use the tongue: “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring, (James 3: 9-12, NLT).
- Words can start trouble: The Bible says in Proverbs 15: 1 (NLT) that a gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. David had been kind to Nabal’s men, but when he needed help, Nabal answered David’s servants in his characteristic foolishness:, “Who is David? And who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants today who are each breaking away from his master.” (1 Samuel 25:10) Insulted and grieved, David set out to wipe out Nabal’s household.
- Words can avert trouble: We see a classic case of soft words turning away anger in 1 Samuel 25:23-35, when Nabal’s wise wife, Abigail, intervenes on behalf of her family. She soothed David’s anger with her calmness and wise words, thereby saving her household AND saving David from offending God also. She made such a huge impression on David that when her husband died, he sent for her and married her.
- Words can recreate your world: Whatever your present circumstances are, you can speak it into what you desire according to God’s will. Jesus said in Mark 11:23, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be removed, and be cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he said shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he said.” Will we take Him at His Word?
- God listens to your words: When Miriam and Aaron spoke against God’s delegated authority, Moses, the Bible says in Numbers 12:2, ASV, “And Jehovah heard it.” When the Israelites grumbled and complained, putting themselves down and doubting God’s ability to save them, God said, “Now tell them this: ‘As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you the very things I heard you say.” (Numbers 14:28, NLT)
What changes will you make in the way you talk, starting now?
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