Speech is an amazing gift from God - utilized solely by humans. Every word we speak counts! Proverbs 12:18 says, "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Jesus said in Matthew 12:36 that men will "give account on the day of judgment for every careless (ineffective) word they have spoken." "Careless" words bring judgment because they reveal our real character - that which is deep in our hearts.
Paul instructs in Ephesians 4:29: "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up, according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
What not to say: "unwholesome" (rotten) words - that which is dishonest, unkind, vulgar, cutting, harmful and destructive to the hearer.
What to say: "edifying, building" words - that which strengthens, encourages, tells the truth in love, cheers, comforts, and stimulates the hearer.
What to look for: Do the words that are being spoken "meet the needs of the hearer"? Do they "fit the occasion?"
Result: "Grace" will be given and everyone benefits.
Words, like feathers emitting from a torn pillow case, can never be retrieved.
The good news is that Holy Spirit has been given to fill our hearts and souls with His clean water so that what comes out of the well of our souls through our words will be pure and healing.
Will your words heal or hurt today?
Pondering, Bob
"I will put a muzzle on my mouth!" - Psalm 39:1.
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