The Power Of The Tongue

The bible has a lot to say about our speech. I could write multiple blogs just strictly about this subject, maybe this will turn into multiple parts. Most of the book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon who was the wisest king that ever lived. These principles can help guide us through life. It’s important to note that Principles are not promises. Principles are fundamental truths or propositions that serve as the foundation for a system of beliefs or behaviors or for a chain of reasoning.

Many of you are familiar with the famous talk show Wendy Williams. Weather you like her or not she makes her living by what she says. Her content is not always wholesome in fact most of it is gossip and slander with little to no life within her words. Unfortunately, her health has taken a turn for the worse and now she is no longer on air but has substitute hosts for her. If you compare her vocation to Tabitha Browns, you will see a night and day difference between the two. Both women make a living by what they say. But in Tabitha’s case, life pours forth from her lips, as well as thanksgiving, and praise to God. She is full of life and vitality she turns whatever she puts her hand to into gold. In fact she has just wrote a New York Times Best seller.

When the bible says a man’s stomach shall be satisfied by the fruit of his mouth and from the produce of his lips he shall be filled, it is suggesting that we can actually make a living by what we say. Words bring forth fruit either good or bad and I think it is so important that us as believers speak with intentionality and measure our words. In seminary they taught us to consider our audience. Meaning whenever you speak you need to picture what type of people may be under the influence of your words. You need to start with the end in mind. What is the take away you want your audience to glean. Once you have that in mind then plan your words accordingly and ask for the Holy Spirit to empower you to not speak from a place of flesh. It is important that we self-reflect before we release what we are going to say. The book of James says,” not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” Yes, we can make a living by what we say, but what are we saying is the question on the floor and what fruit is it producing in someone’s life?

Are our words leading others closer to God or motivating them to change their life or are they speaking death into them and producing discouragement?

The second half of the verse says death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat its fruit. Our tongues are so powerful and can bring life or death into a situation. Either way we will literally eat our words whether good or bad. I think everyone who reads this can think of a time when they were injured by someone’s words. Words can birth a whole slew of insecurities and bad decisions because of what someone said about you or to you. Maybe you adopted a false belief about yourself. Or maybe out of that pain you have started to speak negatively over someone very close to you. Whatever the case you can change today. If you are convicted, it is never too late to repent and change directions.

If you have been injured by someone’s words have you ever gone to that person and shown them how they injured you? As men and women of God it is important that we speak life into and over every situation and circumstance and when we do we will enjoy that fruit and be satisfied.

Prayer of Reflection

Heavenly Father, please forgive me for all negative, complaining, slandering, gossiping words that I have ever spoken. Please forgive me for times I have spoken and not honored you in my words. Recall to mind anyone I may have injured with my words and help me to apologize and make it right with them. Let my mouth be used for your goodness and your glory. I pray I would be satisfied and fulfilled by the words that come out of my life. Please empower me to speak life and not death in every circumstance and when I don’t have anything edifying to say to be quiet. Let my lips be like a fountain of life that others feel refreshed and encouraged by. Heal me O LORD from any unkind, discouraging, death giving words spoken over my life. Set me free from false beliefs about who you say I am that may have been formed from any negative words. Put a door over my lips and let me not sin against you or others with my words. Let me not gossip or slander anyone. Let me not repeat confidential information to any other party uninvolved. Empower me to speak life in Jesus Mighty Name! Amen!

PS: Did you know that we have a shirt created right from this verse you can purchase from our store @838apparel.com? It comes in black or white as well as t shirt and sweatshirt form. Head on over and cop yours as a reminder to speak life! SPEAK LIFE TEE

Confession of Faith

I confess that I speak life over my family, myself, and my children. I confess that the fruit of my mouth will bring satisfaction and fulfillment to my life. I confess that I will encourage and edify others with my words. I confess that I will be accountable and ask the Holy Spirit to empower my tongue. I confess that I am an encourager and that my words are a refreshing spring that waters many. I confess that no unwholesome talk will come out of my mouth but only that which will edify those who hear me. I confess this by faith in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen!

Questions to Consider

1. Do I speak life or death?

2. Would the people closest to me say that I am a life speaker or a death speaker?

3. Have I ever injured anyone with my words and have I made it right?

4. Have I been wounded by wicked words and went to that person or asked God to heal me?

5. What areas of life need life spoken over them?