Your Words

The apostle James writes that although ‘the tongue is a small part of the body… it makes great boasts’ (James 3:5).

This small instrument has enormous power. It can cause great damage but it can also bring extraordinary blessings. Your tongue is a powerful instrument.

Power to bring peace - Proverbs 16:28-17:4

The words you speak can be either life-giving or destructive.

Words can cause a great deal of trouble. ‘The perverse stir up dissension and gossips separate close friends’ (16:28). Gossip has the power to break up friendships.

It is vital to get control over your tongue: ‘Moderation is better than muscle, self-control better than political power’ (v.32, MSG).

You have a responsibility, not only for the words that you speak but also for whose words and the kinds of words you listen to. ‘Evil people relish malicious conversation; the ears of liars itch for dirty gossip’’ (17:4, MSG). Remember that whoever gossips to you will probably gossip about you. Just as receiving stolen goods is a serious crime in the eyes of the law as theft; so listening to gossip is as damaging as gossiping.

How you speak and how you listen will affect the whole atmosphere in your home: ‘Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife’ (v.1).

Your words are powerful. Determine today to speak positive, encouraging words of life and blessing everywhere you go.