What Will You Say
We are always surrounded by voices. From friends, family, the news and pop culture, there are voices and words everywhere telling us how to live our lives and who we are. We contribute to those voices and our words matter. We need to be mindful of what we say because whether we know it or not, our words have power. They have an impact. Let’s explore some portions of what the Word has to say about our words and speaking.
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29, English Standard Version)
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.” (Proverbs 15:1-2, ESV)
“The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.” (Proverbs 15:28, ESV)
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:19, ESV)
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. (James 1:26, ESV)
We first need to realize our words have power. We need to understand the tongue and our speech can be both a blessing and a curse - praising our Father and cursing those we hate.
So before speaking, take a moment to reflect on what your words could do. What is the intention behind them: to build up or put down? We need to use our words responsibly because using them carelessly puts so many others at risk.
Remember, the words we say are words with impact. I recommend closely reading James 3 and the description of how powerful the tongue is. Our words have the power to build up and put down.
What will you say?
