Life and death are in the power of the tongue.
Proverbs 18:21
Words are such a powerful tool in this life. Songs, poetry, prayers, sermons, news articles, novels, blog posts and so much more have the power to sway our opinions, to move us to action and to inspire us to change. Even little things like comments on a social media page have a huge impact on our moods, our self-worths, and our views of the world around us.
Words are power. And we’ve all been gifted with the ability to wield it.
Oh, but as Aunt May so wisely warned Peter Parker, with great power comes great responsibility. (Mom of boys here. My references are limited! 😉 )
Think about the words you’ve spoken over the last 24 hours. (*Oh, you had to go there, KJ?!?* Hey, I hear ya but God really convicted me this past week about this. I’m just looking for anyone else out there who’s flubbed up, too! 😉 )
Ask yourself these questions about your recent comments or conversations:
- Did my words build up others or tear them down?
- Did my words encourage or discourage?
- Did my words bring joy or did my words bring sadness and pain?
- Were my words truthful or were they lies?
- Did my words emphasize the good in others, the world and our current situation or did my words add to the negativity, the darkness and the hopelessness?
- If my every word that I have spoken was read aloud for the world to hear, would I be proud or ashamed of myself?
- Has my every word glorified God and pointed others to Him?
(Do your toes hurt? Cuz God is really doing a number on mine! Ouch!)
The responsibility to use our words wisely should not be taken lightly. Our words, like our actions, have consequences – both good and bad. And if any of us cannot handle the responsibility, it’s best we heed the advice of every grandma everywhere in the world:
“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all!”
So, as we go about our week, let’s remember the great power we’ve been given and ask God to help us wield it. Can you imagine what the world would be like if we all used our Word Power for good and not evil?
I’d like that kind of world, wouldn’t you?
“May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you, Lord,
my rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalms 19:14
**Looking for more Biblical references about the power of our words and how we should use it? Check out Colossians 4:6 , Proverbs 15:1, Ephesians 4:25 & 29, James 3:5, Proverbs 10:19, Colossians 3:8, Matthew 15:18 and there are so many more!
A Couple of Stars and a Happy Face 