Ecclesiastes 10:12(KJV)
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
Scripture reminds us that the wise person’s words will gain their favor, but the fool’s words will destroy them. When we choose words wisely, we win favor with others because we speak graciously. However, the words of fools are not only not pleasant to others but often destructive to themselves. The ability to speak or use words is one of the greatest God gave us. The Lord, through the power of Words, created this world. It reveals what we can and are supposed to do with words. We are to speak words consistent with our nature and heritage in Christ. In other words, we can have a great life and enjoy our days in God’s blessings and goodness if we use our tongues right. Undoubtedly, we have the power to express ourselves in a way that showcases our self-control and maturity and uplifts others and their opinions. Words can kill, and words can also heal. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” The truth is that our speech determines our reach in life. The way we talk determines the way we end. Words are powerful! So, how we use our mouths determines the outcome of every storm. Not realizing the power of the tongue, Christians have killed things that should be alive in their lives and resurrected what should be dead.
In life, if there is anything we must learn to use, it is our tongue because it can build and destroy. It is because the world of the spirit does not operate on what we mean but runs with what we say. James 3:6 says, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.” We must realize our immense power to control our actions by keeping our tongues in check. It is remarkable to think about how much impact we can have when we learn to tame our tongue. Our tongue can change our present situation and future for the good or the worse. Our words would either bring down rain to water the seeds sown or establish a drought that will destroy the seeds. The enemy’s strategy is to put us under extreme pressure so that we say the wrong or defeatist things. In other words, the enemy is always looking for what we are saying to use against us. Many people have lost everything in life as a result of careless words. Some are reaping today what they said yesterday. And are somehow blaming others, saying all things, forgetting that tomorrow’s harvest is determined by what was said yesterday or what we are saying today. Many have ruined their great future by talking to the wrong people or publicizing their secrets.
Beloved, watch your tongue, for it is crucial for your survival. It can shorten or prolong your days. Whatever is not your intention must never be your confession. Never speak of your condition but your conviction. Never forget that the enemy always looks for what you say to catch your words. Be careful what information you divulge to your enemies. Talk only when necessary. Stop abusing your tongue because the Bible describes it as a fire that can burn destructively if unguarded. Don’t speak of negativity and expect to see positivity. When failure is on your lips, don’t expect success or express frustration and hope to see satisfaction. Don’t run your life down or join anybody in running it down in your presence or absence with negative words. From today, use your tongue only to praise God and lift those within your sphere of influence. Ask God for wisdom to know what to say and what not to say. Be careful what you say, when you say it, how you say it, where you say it, and to whom you say it. Remember not to say anything when angry because many have used their mouth to kill themselves and others by using unnecessary words. If you desire to be wise, learn to control that little muscle, the tongue.
O Lord, help me refrain from abusing my tongue and give me the wisdom to say the right words and end well in Jesus’ Name.