God is not silent about the power of our words and often warns us to speak softly, thoughtfully, and with purpose, because our words reveal the true intent of our hearts. The book of James reminds us that our tongues set things on fire and are virtually impossible to tame. With our words, we bless God, and with our words, we curse others.
But that should not be the way we speak. James 3:10 says, "Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be."
We discover so much about our words in Scripture, but let's give one more thought before we continue. Ephesians 4:29 reads, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." This is a great measure for words. Is it corrupt? Then don't say it. Will it build someone up? Then don't withhold it.
Dick Brogen wrote, "Praising God and encouraging others is the opposite of tongue death - these are mouth-to-life resuscitation."
And oh, how people need to hear words of life today. The internet and news are full of negative, damaging words. People seem to believe that freedom of speech means they can say whatever hurtful or hateful things come to their mind with no accountability. But let's not be deceived, Jesus said we will give account of every idle word (Matthew 12:36).
If we are haphazard or unchecked in our speech, we are unwise and damaging to those around us. God will hold us accountable. How much better to be a life-giver? To seek ways to defuse anger, sow unity, and seek peace rather than to blaze words of fire into situations?
Psalm 34:14 contains the phrase, "Seek peace and pursue it." By our words, we can do this. We can give mouth-to-life resuscitation to those gasping for a kind word. We can bring peace to a situation when we pre-judge our words and follow Scriptural instructions.
Our words should bring hope, joy, and even challenge, pointing the receiver to Christ. How are you doing with that these days?