We have all heard the saying “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” According to Scripture this statement isn’t exactly true. In Proverbs 18:21 it is written that death and life are in the power of the tongue – in the power of the words that we speak. There is power in the words that we speak and we can hurt ourselves as well as others through our words.
As believers we have to learn to tame our tongues, to truly watch how we speak about our own circumstances and how we speak of others. What we feel in our hearts comes out of our mouths in what we say (Luke 6:45). Think about how many times you have spoken something and then quickly retracted with an “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that.” The truth is, what came out of your mouth wasn’t an accident, it was how you were feeling in your heart. Speaking negatively over our own circumstances (saying things like, “I am sick,” or “I don’t have enough”) or speaking negatively about others (gossiping) fans a consuming fire that will envelop your heart. Your heart will then become closed off to the voice of God and His truths.
If the words we speak show the true attitude of our heart, then we should be growing more consistent in our speech as we allow God to work in our lives. If we are continually speaking negatively over our lives or over our circumstances then where does that leave our faith in God and in His Word? We cannot praise God out of our mouths one minute and then turn around the next minute and speak critically or negatively about our circumstances or about others. The Bible tells us that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Psalm 23:7). What are your words telling you about the position of your heart today?
The Truth in Action – Make a conscious effort to stop yourself from speaking negatively over your circumstances. Don’t dwell on sickness, on lack, etc…, instead meditate on what the Word of God says about you. In addition, make a conscious effort to not speak negatively about others; don’t even listen to others who are gossiping. Doing these things will change the attitude of your heart and position you to receive the promises of God.
Meditate on Scripture – Luke 6:45 (NKJV) A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Further Study – James 3 (Taming the Tongue) – In these verses James explains the power of the tongue and explains that the words we speak can be used for good or for evil. Taming the tongue comes from seeking God and His wisdom. This will lead to pure speech.