Watch Your Mouth

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,

Sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body.

Proverbs 16:24 AMP

Have you ever experienced someone saying something mean to you? So mean, that long after the words were spoken, you replayed them in your mind or cringed when you saw that person again? When we say harsh things, it can really affect someone. As we read above, when we say pleasant or kind words, they can be soothing and healing. So by reason of deduction, when we say mean things, they can be quite damaging. 

Let’s turn to scripture to see what the Bible says about speech: 

Ephesians 4:29 AMP

Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].

Ephesians 5:4 AMP

Let there be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse [obscene or vulgar] joking, because such things are not appropriate [for believers]; but instead speak of your thankfulness [to God].

Proverbs 15:4 AMP

A soothing tongue [speaking words that build up and encourage] is a tree of life,

But a perversive tongue [speaking words that overwhelm and depress] crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 17:27 AMP

He who has knowledge restrains and is careful with his words,

And a man of understanding and wisdom has a cool spirit (self-control, an even temper).

Matthew 12:36 AMP

But I tell you, on the day of judgment people will have to give an accounting for every careless or useless word they speak.

James 1:26 AMP

26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious [scrupulously observant of the rituals of his faith], and does not control his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person’s religion is worthless (futile, barren).

1 Peter 3:10 AMP

For,

“The one who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good—whether apparent or not],
Must keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from speaking guile (treachery, deceit).

1 Thessalonians 4:11 AMP

10 For indeed you already do practice it toward all the ]believers throughout Macedonia [by actively displaying your love and concern for them]. But we urge you, brothers and sisters, that you excel [in this matter] more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to live quietly and peacefully, and to mind your own affairs and work with your hands, just as we directed you, 12 so that you will behave properly toward outsiders [exhibiting good character, personal integrity, and moral courage worthy of the respect of the outside world], and be dependent on no one and in need of nothing [be self-supporting].

Proverbs 18:21 AMP

Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.

So based on the scriptures we just read, we know that our tongues and our mouths have the power to bless or curse, and have the power to bring life or death. We should watch our mouths and not be so quick to use our words carelessly.

That includes not gossiping, not cursing or using profanity, not saying evil or malicious things, or even joking at someone else’s expense (roasting, joaning, flaming, teasing), not being quick to anger. Those are all actions the Bible warns us about, yet we observe those things every day. For example, we see talk shows on TV just dedicated to gossiping about people. Kids (and adults) tease each other - saying such mean things that the victim remembers forever. I knew someone who always waxed their face because someone teased them in childhood for being hairy. That was something the person did not have to say, but they did and the effects were long lasting to the person on the receiving end. 

According to Matthew, we will have to give an account for EVERY word we say. That’s pretty telling. Imagine having to account for everything you said, and tell the Lord why you said it. I am shuddering right now at harsh things I have said. 

Saints, we must hold our tongue and be very careful with our words. If we are using our words to harm people or have the last word, or going tit for tat, we should refrain from such things. Instead, our words should be just like Philippians 4: noble, just, pure, lovely, and a good report, virtuous, praiseworthy. Even if what we say is true, we must also make sure that the delivery and tone are done in excellence and love and not in flesh.

Let’s pray:

Lord, help me to be mindful of my words and my tongue. Let my words be used for Your Will and it not be me working in flesh. I ask for forgiveness for the times I used my mouth and my tongue incorrectly, and I ask for forgiveness and healing of those I hurt. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

One last thought, a gospel song I like has a line that is apropos to this devotional that will help you to remember what words to speak:

“Write on my tongue, let my words edify. Let the words of my mouth be acceptable in Thy sight. Take charge of my thoughts, both day and night”. (Order My Steps by GWMA Women of Worship Choir)