Proverbs 18:21, “The tongue has the power of life and death.”
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” We have all heard this old saying, or even said it to others. But today’s scripture, tells us that this is not true. When you think of life and death matters, your mind is probably not thinking of the words leaving your mouth. God lets us know that words have a very powerful impact on the lives of others.
Words have the ability to tear up or tear down, they can cause hurt and harm or they can bring help and hope. Our ultimate goal is to be like Jesus. He was a master at the spoken word, and He always knew just the right thing to say — whether He was talking to a woman at a well, a crowd on a mountain, or disciples alongside a beach.
Pause for a moment before the next time you speak, and remember that we can be more like Jesus when we speak words of encouragement and love to others. That’s because each syllable has a powerful impact. It’s all in the wording, because what we say is a matter of life and death.
Put this into practice immediately by speaking words of encouragement to anyone and everyone you come in contact with today.
God, help me watch what I say and help me work hard to bring life-changing words to everyone You place within my influence. Thank You for revealing convicting scriptures like I am reading today. I’m so grateful that Jesus did come down from heaven to earth so that I could learn to live as He lived. In Jesus’ name, Amen.