Words.

Words are powerful. As an African proverb says "words are like eggs when broken cannot be put back together"

We should be careful to weigh our words before we speak them. Words can build up a person, it can create as well as destroy. It was the word that created the world "Let there be light" Gen 1

What you speak is a reflection of what is in your heart (the whole of you) What you see and what you hear will affect what is in your mind, and thus what you speak.  A wise person will apply wisdom and will process what he/she sees and hears before speaking. The Bible emphasises speaking the truth , not speaking corrupt words, not tale bearing and speaking encouraging words. The Bible also warns against deceitful tongue and a back-biting and proud tongue.

The Bible encourages speaking the truth. This involves: speaking excellent things (Prov.8:6-8) words pleasing to God (Ps 19:14), words that build up and edifying words.

People in position of authority should be careful, (parents, teachers, pastors etc.) for the words you say can have a lasting effect on those who hear them. 

James 3  warns about the power of the tongue (v5-6) he acknowledges we are not perfect and hence should strive to "tame our tongue" and speak edifying words. We cannot praise God with our mouth and curse our neighbours with the same mouth.

Dot not be hasty to speak. Listen, think and reflect before speaking. There are two sides to a story, do not judge or condemn. Think about the effect your words will have. Will it build up or tear down?, will it encourage or discourage?, will it comfort or cause discomfort?.

Prayer:

Lord teach me to use wisdom when I speak, and to keep quiet when I need to. Let me speak words of comfort and encouragement, words that build people up and which edifies your name. Let no corrupt words or evil jesting come out of my mouth and let me speak the truth in love always. Amen 

Bible Reading

Ps 141:3-4

Ps 15:1-3

James 3