I suppose we have all at one time or another said things that we wish we had not said. We may follow with “I didn’t mean it”. Perhaps in our heart we really didn’t mean it but still, it couldn’t have come out of our mouth if it hadn’t gotten in there. You can’t come out of something you haven’t been in. It may have purely been an outburst of emotions, frustrations or a fleeting feeling but you said it and once it is out you can’t get it back.
Our words are powerful. They can help or they can hurt. They can build up or they can tear down. Many times they are misinterpreted or even twisted.
We can control what we say but it is not easy. One thing though; we cannot control how our words or thoughts are received by others.
When God spoke His words were so powerful that it came to pass just like He said. Ge 1:3 is an example. “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” Words are powerful. In Mal 3:13 we find that our words have great power also. “Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD.” God listens to what we say. Jesus said in Mt 12:37 “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
Often we may hear “aw, you know what I meant”. That may well be true but still, our words identify our thoughts. They cast forth a message. Our words do impact others whether it is complimentary or ill spoken. Our words say something about us.
God meant what He said and He said what He meant. Jesus meant what He said and He said what He meant. He created us in His own image and expects us to mean what we say and say what we mean and not just run off at the mouth and try to justify it by saying we didn’t mean it. Lu 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Our tongue just spew’s out whatever is in the mind or the heart. We can’t control the tongue very well but we can be very careful what we allow to enter our minds or get down into our heart. I think maybe with each of us it is a work in progress. Hopefully we are making good progress.
Our words have the ability to bless and encourage if we choose wisely. Our words can help or they can hinder. Someone is listening and they may even quote what we said. Isn’t that interesting?
Perhaps we should pray as the psalmist prayed in Ps 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Ps 141:3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Our world would be a better place if we practiced what Pr 8:7 says to us. “For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.” Have a blessed day.
Maranatha!
