What Did You Say?

It may be tempting to think our words don’t matter. The old ‘sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me’. I’d love to meet the author of that statement and share my thoughts, ahem! We may think words come out of our mouths on a breath, light as a feather, carried away on the wind never to be ‘heard from’ again. But we all can think of words uttered long ago that still carry the weight of hurt and pain. And if we let them, the negative force is enough to flatten our joyful disposition in an instant. Even our own words can affect us! Our words are so important!

Scripture has much to say regarding how we use our mouths. Here are four benefits we can glean from the book of Proverbs regarding our words.

Freedom

Have you ever noticed how group conversation is contagious? Innocently, you walk up to a group and get swept up in their negative talk. You find yourself nodding in agreement with things you never would have otherwise. How on earth did that happened so quickly and easily? It’s as if you walked into a trap and if not careful, you get sucked right in. On the other hand, when we use our mouths to praise God, speak His Word, and lift up others, we break free from the trap. We are rewarded not only with kindness from others but will even benefit our own hearts and minds from hearing the positive words!

Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk, and so the innocent escape trouble. From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward. (Proverbs 12:13-14 NIV)

gray oval.png — From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. (Proverbs 18: 20-21 ESV)

Good Things

I have a friend who I believe is an angel. I am always amazed as the Holy Spirit speaks through her. Any time I’m with her, I leave feeling as if I’m floating on air. She speaks God’s Word with wisdom in so many ways (Proverbs 31:26). I’m surprised she still meets with me since my mouth is gapping open almost the entire time! I know I enjoy “good things” from her mouth as I’m sure all who come in contact with her.

From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things, but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence. Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. (Proverbs 13: 2-3 NIV)

Life!

My guess is we’ve all been around people who feel as if they suck the life out of you. Complaining and seeing the glass half empty are their modus operandi. No matter how you try turn their perspective to the positive, it’s always shot down (read more here). It leaves you checking our watch, look where the time has gone! There’s nothing wrong with occasionally voicing a frustration to a trusted friend or family member, but when it becomes a habit, toxins blacken ourselves and others. More importantly, when we are negative and complain we make the devil happy and are telling our loving heavenly Father His provision is not enough. Choose your words carefully and watch those around you - and yourself - flourish (Phil. 2:14-16). This is not “wishful speaking”. This is speaking the Truth of God’s love, care, and generosity to a very unworthy people.

From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. (Proverbs 18: 20-21 ESV)

Home

While this last Scripture does not reference the mouth, it is vitally important. As women, our words hold great power for good or evil for every person who walks through our door. We can choose to build up or tear down our spouses (and therefore our marriages), children, friends, etc., and if we chose the latter, our life will be destroyed in the process. This can be extremely challenging, especially if we have marital problems, a disrespectful teenager, financial difficulties, etc., or any other stressors in our lives. We have an enemy who would love to destroy us and will tempt us to nag and complain, but we must be prepared in advance to speak life as much as possible, build up others, and in the process enjoy a beautiful God honoring life.

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. (Proverbs 14:1 NIV)