Watch Your Tongue - The Power of Words

 

Watch Your Tongue - The Power of Words

Once spoken, words cannot be taken back. We all know this truth, yet often fail to live by it. Words have ended marriages, caused immense pain and suffering, ignited wars, and inflicted irreparable damage. Truly, we must watch our tongues. This timeless advice is echoed not only by our Lord in the Bible but also in the wisdom of the secular world.

Most of us understand the dangers of idle talk, gossip, and even more harmful, destructive words aimed at hurting someone or something. It seems many just cannot stop talking. Is there a conflict between good and bad involved? Absolutely.

The adage "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" might sound catchy, but it's far from the truth. While words may not cause physical harm, their emotional and psychological impact can be profound and long-lasting.

Words can be wielded in numerous ways, both positive and negative. Educational institutions, regardless of their orientation, often include courses on effective communication within their curriculum. Elegant speech has the power to touch hearts, while at the same time, it can be used to manipulate the masses; a reality we still witness far too often in modern times.

In 2024, we observe a stark divide between the left and the right. Remarkably, both political sides engage in a verbal war, accusing each other of spreading disinformation. Meanwhile, they seek to limit the freedom of speech for ordinary citizens. To some extent, even Christians must remain mindful of their surroundings and be cautious about what they say and to whom.

Satan invites us to talk as much as we want, leading us to dig our own graves. As believers, we should know by now that the tongue can be very dangerous. Even when we are correct and righteous in our statements, we should consider whether it is always necessary or justifiable to express our opinions at all costs. Jesus taught us to be mindful of our speech and to understand the impact our words can have. Several passages in the Bible remind us of this.

For instance, we read in James 3:5-6: "Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell."

This verse clearly reflects the biblical teaching on the power of the tongue. Another warning is found in Matthew 15:11: "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man."

Indeed, as the Apostle Paul advised us in Colossians 3:8, to keep filthy communication out of our mouths.

Our Holy book tells us that we will be judged by our own words. Therefore, we should always be mindful of what we say and how we say it. Especially when we are in an emotional state, words can cause a sensitive situation to escalate in ways beyond what we intended. Consider, for instance, parents dealing with their children or a teacher correcting a student. If done improperly, the consequences can be devastating.

As believers, we should certainly heed the warning in Matthew 12:36-37: "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words, you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

Dear Reader,

Regardless of whether you are a believer, non-believer, or hold any religious persuasion, the words of this article hold true for everyone. As I conclude this piece, I sincerely hope you understand the deeper meaning of what you have read. The Bible provides us with numerous examples and warnings; let us heed these and act wisely.

If you are a non-believer and find truth in these words of the Bible, I invite you to come to the cross. When all is said and done, the ultimate truth, without a single false word, is found in the Creator God and our Lord Jesus.

Thank you for reading this article.

With love,

Rev. Gus B.

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