Most people do not believe that we choose what happens to us. Regardless of how things appear in the world, the truth of the matter is that the words we speak play an important role in what happens in our life. The Bible tells us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21), which suggests that with one’s mouth an individual can speak death into his or her life or the same individual can speak life into his or her life. We know that the words that we speak are like seeds that are planted in the ground and it is from those seeds, we reap the blessings or the cursings from that which we have sown (Galatians 6:7-8). This is why the words that we speak are so important; they really do control the things that happen to us. It is like “the entire system of blessings and cursings” hinges upon the very words we speak.
“We can make a large horse turn around and go wherever we want by means of a small bit in his mouth. And a tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong. So also the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A great forest can be set on fire by one tiny spark. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness, and poisons every part of the body. And the tongue is set on fire by hell itself and can turn our whole lives into a blazing flame of destruction and disaster. Men have trained, or can train, every kind of animal or bird that lives and every kind of reptile and fish, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is always ready to pour out its deadly poison” (James 3:3-8 TLB).
We have learned to control and tame all kinds of animals, including birds, reptiles, sea creatures, and all sorts of land animals, but we have yet learned to control and tame our tongue. We have yet to learn that it, our tongue, is a source of great evil and deadly poisons. With our tongue, we praise Father God and with the same tongue, we curse our fellow man who was created in image and after the likeness of God. Yes, blessings and cursings come from the same tongue, out of the same mouth, but this is not the way things should be (James 3:9-10).
“But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak. For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced” (Matthew 12:36-37 AMP). “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from troubles” (Proverbs 21:23 AMP). “If you want a happy, good life, keep control of your tongue, and guard your lips from telling lies” (I Peter 3:10 TLB). “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV). “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving” (Ephesians 5:4 NIV). “Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips” (Ecclesiastes 10:12 NIV). “You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of (Matthew 12:34 NIV). “...the tongue of the wise is health” (Proverbs 12:18).
If on the “Day of Judgment,” we must give an account for every idle word that we speak, then just this fact should tell us just how important the words that we speak are. The passage goes on to say how we will either be justified by or be condemned by the very words that we speak. We are told to guard our tongue and keep our mouth shut so that we can stay out of trouble. If we want a happy, good life, then we must learn to control our tongues, guard our lips, and not talk so much. We must get rid of things like anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips (Colossians 3:8). We must do all that we can do to bring about peace, harmony, and mutual edification of one another (Romans 14:19). Our conversations should always “be full of grace and seasoned with salt” so that we are never at a lost for the proper words when we are called to answer. Remember, that which comes out of our mouth tells the world where our heart really is and what is truly in it. We need to watch our tongue and keep our mouths shut so that we stay out of trouble. “The words you speak become the house you live in” (Hafiz). With that being said, be careful with your words; they really do control the things that happen to you.
Here is today’s inspirational message. We pray that it will be a blessing to you and we pray that you will share this message with others so that they may be blessed as well. Amen.
Enjoy your blessings - KW
