Pages

▼

Monday, March 10, 2014

Controlling the Power of Words


Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. Proverbs 13:3 NLT

The statement stopped me cold. I absolutely couldn’t believe someone had just said that about someone else out loud. 

 The group laughed. It was a joke. Or so they thought. I couldn’t seem to understand how any part of that statement might be humorous.

 I couldn’t let this one go.

 “What if what you just said were true? What if it happens?” My eyes shoot sparks as I spit out the question.

 “Oh. Well, it wouldn’t be funny at all then.” 

 Silence becomes thick and uncomfortable.

 “Words are powerful. Your words are powerful. And if by some horrible fate what you just said were to come true, everyone is always going to remember what you just said. You will be remembered for that. We need to think carefully before we spew out words. They can’t be taken back and they are often more powerful than we ever dreamed possible.”
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21

That conversation stuck with me throughout the day. Not because it was awkward and uncomfortable, but because it was relevant and important.

 Fists don’t start fights--words do.

 Nuclear weapons don’t start wars--words do.

 Lawyers don’t begin the divorce process--words do.

 How many times do I use my words casually and not think through the implications? How often am I speaking curses instead of blessings without even realizing it?
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. 
Psalm 19:14

Are my words and my meditating thoughts pleasing to God? The prior verses show the psalmist asking God to cleanse them from their hidden sins and to free them from the  control their deliberate sins hold over them.

 Yes, I’m joining the psalmist in this prayer. My words are powerful. I don’t want them to be found wanting. I don’t want to be known for using them in a way that hurts others instead of lifting others up.

photo credit: laurentfrancois64 via photopin cc
at

3 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 10, 2014 at 11:09 PM

    Carrie Ann, I'm visiting from the UBC again. I love your topic today! You are so right--our words have massive power. And many are unaware of the scriptures about the power of speech. Thanks for a great piece.

    ReplyDelete
  2. NickMarch 11, 2014 at 2:07 AM

    I do agree with your opening quote. I wish I had restraint sometimes.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The True VineMarch 11, 2014 at 6:44 AM

    I like how you showed the importance of words at the beginning of struggle. Our words either build up or knock down. Thanks

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for taking the time to engage in the conversation! I do read and attempt to respond to each comment. This blog is Christian in nature and any content that is deemed vulgar or grossly inappropriate will be removed at the author's discretion. Please help me maintain a loving environment for all who enter here!