Words of Life

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21)

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.  (James 1:19-20)

Jesus tells us His words are spirit and life – much more than syllables and sounds, but they are alive and living and able to accomplish the purposes for which they are spoken. There are no idle words spoken from the mouth of God, and as we mature in Him, there will be fewer and fewer from us. What a marvelous accomplishment it is to become a wise steward of the tongue! Our words are pregnant with meaning and effect, and the Lord will hold us accountable for those words and the intent behind them. Perhaps we should give longer and wiser consideration before we speak.

Careless words are an offense to God, and we've all spoken far too many of them. Yet, we can never change or fix our speech by our own efforts, no matter how sincere. Therefore, we must not only be more careful, but more prayerful! The words we speak are not primarily a matter of the tongue or of the mind, but a matter of the heart.

For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (Matthew 12:34)

When our hearts are right with God, gossip, slander, cursing, harshness, crassness, lying, and cynicism will no longer be found in our words; but the Holy Spirit will speak encouragement and grace through us that blesses and edifies the hearer. So, listen closely to your words today, and they will reveal the condition of your heart. Then, take your heart, give it to Jesus anew, and ask Him to purify it like only He can. He will do as you ask, and from that point forward, you will hear it in your speech; words of life that pour out of a pure heart. Amen.

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, if You will purify my heart, I will set a guard at my mouth, so I might speak in an acceptable way. Teach me to speak words of life as my Savior does. Amen.