Word Power

Do you ever wish you could grab the words that just popped out of your mouth and take them back never to be heard? My mind occasionally plays back utterly careless things I have said before I realized they were out of my mouth and definitely before my brain engaged the brake. I cringe and pray it never happens again. And then it does.

The scripture that comes to mind each time I repent of words wrongly spoken is Luke 7:45 where Jesus says, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and

an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”

I need to work on my heart, assuring that it is filled with good things that will overflow. (See the teacup blog for more on this). I much prefer blessings and good things to slip out rather than words I would love to rein back. I took the advice of a pastor and read through Proverbs highlighting every verse that had to do with words or mouth. Here are a few that resonated on the power of words.

Proverbs 10:19, “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”

Proverbs 13:3, “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.”

Proverbs 15:1-2, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.”

Proverbs 21:23, “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.”

Proverbs 29:20, “Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”

I certainly don’t want to be a fool or constantly in trouble and headed for destruction, so I need to heed Psalm 141:3, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.” I’m thinking massive body guard or special armed serviceman!

Ephesians 4:29 says it so well, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Oh, that my words would be grace to those who hear! Is that your heart’s cry - to know your words would somehow bless others? As we spend time in the Word, scripture fills our heart to abundance which allows the overflow Jesus mentioned in Luke. If you are looking for a place to start, take my pastor’s recommendation. Read a Proverb a day and highlight the references to the mouth, lips, or words. I was challenged and blessed by the study. I hope you will be too.