Watch What You Say!
James speaks a great deal about the tongue (the things we say) and they power that lies therein. James 3:2-12 (NIV) says, “We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole coarse of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praising and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives? or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”
Our enemy, Satan knows very well of these truths. He is always working to distort God’s Word, and to cause us to say things that will harm us. He knows that when we speak we set things in motion in the spirit world. Here are just a few examples of things that we say ALL THE TIME (I am guilty too!) that can be very harmful to our lives…
- “I love him to death” or “I’m scared to death.” When we say anything is “to death” that is not good! We should be speaking life, not death. We must be aware of our words, and choose them carefully.
- “You’re killing me” or “This is killing me.” Again, we need to speak life, not death. These are very subtle, but powerful statements that we need to omit from our conversations.
- “Oh good grief!” Grief, while it is part of life, is not always a good thing. We shouldn’t be so flippant about it.
- “That makes me crazy!” Yikes! We certainly don’t need to be speaking this into our lives! God’s Word says we have been given a “sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
- “I’m damned if I do, and damned if I don’t.” Don’t say that! We are never damned, we are blessed!
- “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” This is a BIG lie! From the passage in James above, we know words are very hurtful.
- “If I didn’t have bad luck, I’d have no luck at all.” Again, we are blessed, not cursed.
Here are a few more that I found in my Bible:
You say, “It’s impossible.” God says, “All things are possible.” (Luke 18:27)
You say, “I’m too tired.” God says, “I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say, “Nobody really loves me.” God says “I love you.” (John 3:16)
You say, “I can’t go on.” God says, “My grace is sufficient.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
You say, “I can’t figure things out.” God says, “I will direct your steps.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say, “I can’t do it.” God says, “You can do all things.” (Philippians 4:13)
You say, “I’m not able.” God says, “I am able.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
You say, “It’s not worth it.” God says, “It will be worth it.” (Romans 8:28)
You say, “I can’t forgive myself.” God says, “I forgive you.” (1 John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say, “I can’t manage.” God says, “I will supply all of your needs.” (Philippians 4:19)
You say, “I’m afraid.” God says, “I have not given you a spirit of fear.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
You say, “I’m always worried and frustrated.” God says, “Cast all your cares on me.” (1 Peter 5:7)
You say, “I’m not smart enough.” God says, “I give you wisdom.” (1 Corinthians 1:30)
You say, “I feel all alone.” God says, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
I hope you find these helpful today! I also hope you will pay attention to the words coming out of your mouth, and endeavor to make them positive, not negative!