Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat of its fruit. - Proverbs 18:21 (NASB)
When I was a teenager and into my young adult life, I recall being positive and upbeat but then through a series of life events and life-changing relationships I felt defeated even though I was speaking words of encouragement to others. I noticed that the harsh words others had spoken to me became the fruit I was eating. I’d hear myself chomping on the word-fruit, like it was all I had to eat.
My manner began to change, I went from encouraging others to needing encouraged. I had digested death from those words spoken to me, and about me, so-much-so that I had become dull, in response, the words that came from me felt lifeless.
I am astonished at the harsh word’s others say in chats and forums. What if, instead of a harsh word spoken or written, we say nothing, or remember we are all made in the image of God? (Genesis 1:26-28)
Perhaps we could see what else God says about words in the following scriptures:
When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. - Proverbs 10:19 (ESV)
Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent. - Proverbs 11:12 (ESV)
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification, according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ forgave you. - Ephesians 4:29-32 (NASB)
I have a moral patrol who lives with me and is keenly aware of any shift in the pitch of my voice or if my words are producing the good fruit of life or the fruit that doesn’t settle well and I must evaluate if I am being “kind to one another, tender-hearted.”
Heavenly Father, In the beginning was the Word and Your Words brought forth life and You have given us a path to follow to use words that give life to others, including ourselves. May the words we speak to one another, about others, including ourselves be filled with words that will fill our hearts and minds with life and grace to the hearer. (John 1:1)
This devotion by author, Terrie Miles, is exclusively and solely shared with permission to New Beginnings Church. Any unauthorized printed reproduction, sharing or use of this material is prohibited.
