Power in Our Words

  Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth;
keep the door of my lips.

Psalm 141:3 (KJV)

Have you ever spoken a thought?  You know…… when the words you were thinking came blurting out of your mouth without evaluating the impact they may have?  I’m sure we can all think of an occasion when we’ve done that. 

Have you ever been on the receiving end of hurtful words?  It’s not fun, is it?

Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD;
keep watch over the door of my lips. 
Psalm 141:3 (NIV)

We’re told in Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,
but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

James 3:3-7 talks specifically about the tongue, comparing and describing it as:
•    a small part of the body which makes great boasts
•    a bit in the mouth of horses, that can turn the whole animal
•    a very small rudder controlling a large ship in a strong wind
•    a small spark which can start a great forest fire
•    evil among the parts of the body
•    ability to corrupt the whole person
•    can set one’s whole course of life on fire
•    the tongue cannot be tamed (by mankind)
•    it is full of deadly poison


Once a word is spoken, it’s out there…there’s no taking it back. 

•    A single sentence to a teenager could drive them to an eating disorder.
•    Complaining about someone practicing an instrument can stifle their gift
•    Hasty words to your children can leave their little hearts wounded
•    Nagging words to your husband may cause him to not want to be home
•    Spreading gossip, or unverified stories can ruin friendships, & damage reputations
•    Lying words cause people to distrust you

If unkind or gossipy words easily flow from our mouths, perhaps the underlying cause needs to be re-evaluated.  Often the people we are the closest to, see our true colors. 

There is power in our words ~ lots of power.


How much better it would be if we use our words to:   
HELP, not hurt;
ENCOURAGE, not discourage;
LOVE,  not hate;
BUILD UP, not tear down;
SOOTHE, not sting.


Do you remember the poem, Children Learn What They Live by Dorothy Law Nolte?  Here are a few excerpts from that:

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
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This post is linked to:  Women Helping Women, Whimsical Wednesday,