The Power of Words

As I continue on in my Proverbs study, I am being enlightened day by day. Sure, I know many of these proverbs, but to actually sit down and meditate on them really gives me fresh perspective. This week is going to be a really powerful one for me. This week's study deals a lot with the tongue and words spoken; a great area of struggle for me.

As long as I can remember, I have used my words carelessly. I say a lot of negative things. I say things meant in jest that could potentially hurt feelings. Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." DEATH and LIFE. What more do I need to know? The words I speak bring DEATH and LIFE. Seriously. That kind of puts things in perspective. If you're like me, you have heard the debate over this verse. Some teachers of the Word say that it means hurt feelings, while others say the words you speak can bring literal death. There are those that teach that your words have the power to make things happen, just as Jesus' words caused the fig tree to wither. I am not going to get into that debate. Rather, I am going to make this point. Our words have the potential to kill someone...emotionally, spiritually, and that can lead to physical death as well. Think about it. Think about a time that someone said something that just crushed you, something that caused such inexplicable pain. Think of the death you felt on the inside. Think of those who have committed suicide because of things said to them. Words do have the power of life and death.

Today I read Proverbs 12:18. It says, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." I'm sure we could all attest to this. We have all had reckless words pierce our hearts, literally take our breath away. Sometimes the words spoken to us were spoken without the intention to hurt, but they hurt anyway. Now let's examine ourselves. When have we used reckless words? Think about times you may have hurt someone by your loose tongue. Maybe you don't struggle with this at all, but I surely do. I use reckless words every day. How awful is that? Sometimes these words are directed at my husband, my kids, friends, patients, the check out lady at Target. Many times, I speak careless words, words that I don't intend to cause harm but do anyway. Prime example, Tristan, you're driving me crazy! RECKLESS! If I have to do this one more time, I'm going to run away! RECKLESS.

James 3:8 says that "No man can tame the tongue." No man. Not you, not me. It is up to us to ask God for help. It is up to us to focus on the positive because out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). Like David, we should pray, "Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips (Psalm 141:3).

This may have totally bored you. You may not struggle with this at all. If you do, though, you're not alone. I have close friends who are struggling right beside me with this (we're praying for each other on this. I'm not trying to give someone a hint about themselves ;)). It is SO hard to tame the tongue!

Lord, I humbly come before you and ask you to set a guard over my mouth. Please keep a watch over my lips and let the words I speak be words of life, words that build others up rather than tear them down. Lord, let me be known as someone who speaks words of encouragement, someone whose words bring healing. Father, help me to focus on the positive and to keep my sights set on Jesus. Lord, I love You. I praise You. In Jesus Name, Amen.