Did you know that life and death are in the power of the tongue?
That’s what God’s Word tells us in Proverbs 18:21.
Your words have power. Are you using them wisely?
Here’s a great rule of thumb that will help you in your marriage, your parenting, and your career — the rule is to think before you speak.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS
1. Proverbs 15:2 (NKJ) The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of the fool pours forth foolishness.
2. Proverbs 15:28 (NKJ) The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.
3. Proverbs 18:13 (NKJ) He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.
4. Proverbs 12:18 (NKJ) There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.
5. James 3:6 (NKJ) And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.
6. James 3:8 (NKJ) But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
7. James 3:10 (NKJ) Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
8. Romans 2:1 (NKJ) Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.
9. Ephesians 4:29 (NKJ) Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
10. 1 Peter 3:10 (NKJ) He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.
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The Take Away
Today, commit to thinking before speaking. You have two ears and one mouth. Listen more than you talk and use your words wisely.