Words are simple things aren’t they? They roll off the tongue with ease, sometimes without even a second thought, or a first one for that matter.
But I think we all know that words aren’t just flighty little things that fill the void of space and time. They can encourage and give hope, or they can discourage and tear down. Recently, I have been dwelling on Proverbs 18:21
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:20-21 (NKJV)
Powerful things these “words.” Listen to the New Living Translation…
21 The tongue can bring death or life;
those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
The children and I have been talking about this verse…and analyzing our words, are they bringing life, or death? Sometimes, we want to make it a grey area….”Well, it wasn’t bringing life…but it wasn’t brining death either.” Translation: I was just joking.!!!
I believe that scripture is very clear, that our words are bringing one or the other. If we aren’t building each other up, we must be tearing each other down, there is no grey area. Wow…think about that for a minute.
I know what you’re thinking….What about those times that we are just, for lack of better words, running our mouths? Is there really a time when what we say isn’t going to affect someone? Consider these words, spoken by Jesus,
36 And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. 37 The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” Matthew 12:36-37 (NLT)
Even if the words coming out of our mouths aren’t tearing down the person sitting in front of us, the Lord hears them and will require us to give an account for them. Merriam-Webster gives several definitions for account, but I think this one is the most applicable,
a statement or exposition of reasons, causes, or motives
Even though, as Christians, we will be lavished with grace, love and forgiveness by our Heavenly Father, he will require us to state our motives for those idle words of ours. What excuse would we have? What justification for our words can we offer? Jesus said the words we say will acquit or condemn us.
So, two questions.
Are your words bringing life or death to the people around you?
Are your words bringing life or death to you?