There is a lot of trouble that starts with our mouths. Our words either kill or give life, they’re either poison or fruit and we get to choose.
Proverb 18:21 tells us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, those who love it will eat its fruit.” Our greatest enemy is not our home, job, or even that person who gets on our very last nerve, our greatest enemy is our mouth and what comes out of it. That 3-inch muscle in our mouths has more power to destroy our lives, and to do it more quickly, than anything or anyone else.
We’ve caused wounds in others’ lives, and we’ve received wounds ourselves. The wounds of my mother, by her words destroyed my life for nearly 35 years. At the same time, I nearly destroyed my own life with my own words. Saying things to others that I cannot undo, I cannot take back.
Is it any wonder that God tells us about our mouths in Proverbs 10:11, “The mouth of the righteous is a spring of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.”
Our mouths can either heal us or kill us. One of the most powerful tools in our possession for good and evil is words. With our words, we have the power to kill or the power to heal. Our tongues isn’t just our greatest enemy, it can also be our greatest asset.
If we look through the book of Proverbs, there are several examples of murdering words, words that deceive, words that gossip, and words of anger.
Lies murder trust, thereby killing the thing we long for most in the world, relationship. Proverbs 6:16-19, declares, that the Lord hates 6 things, in fact 7 are detestable to Him, arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.
Two of the seven are words that deceive, right up there with murder. The world cannot function without some measure of trust. No relationship can exist without trust. Trust takes years to build, but only seconds to destroy.
Words that gossip are similar. Few things can destroy any group of people faster than gossip because it kills friendships, families, offices, and schools. It’s important that we to avoid people with a big mouth. If they are gossiping about someone around you, they are surely gossiping about you to them. We can gossip by speaking or listening. Don’t say it, and don’t listen to it. It’s kind of like passing around a loaded gun, it’s not worth it. Gossip is death,
We know the damage that can be done with words spoken in anger. Proverbs 22:10 tells us, “Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out, yes, quarrels and insults will stop.” Proverbs 15:4 also says, “The tongue that heals is a tree of life, but a devious tongue breaks the spirit.”
Yet, some talk to others like we’re the star of our own daytime talk show. We may call entertainment or passion, but the angry voices we listen to shape us to speak like them.
The tongue can also be a great force for good. We have the power to give life in our mouths. A person who says just the right thing at just the right time, and we almost feel like a different person, or when you start speaking, and we see someone’s eyes light up, and we know we made a difference.
The best words begin with silence, if we want to give life with our tongue, we can begin by listening.
“In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, but he who restrains his lips does so wisely” -Proverbs 10:19
“There is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” -Proverbs 12:18
“The heart of the righteous weighs answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil” -Proverbs 15:28
“Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him” -Proverbs 29:20
How much heartache could be avoided if we listened? Instead, while others talk, we’re busy reloading. We crowd others out with the sound of our own voice. Sometimes the best thing we can say to another person is to not say anything at all. Our lips need breaks. If wecesnt to learn the language of any relationship, we start by listening.
When we speak we should, lean in with grace.
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” -Proverbs 16:24
Our words can speak positively to others. Jesus died for us all so our failures don’t define who we are. Remember everyone you meet is fighting a battle. When we speak gracious words of encouragement and love, they can fight a little longer.
We have the power of life and death in our mouths. Choose wisely
From Pity to Praise 