ARE YOU RELEASING LIFE OR DEATH WHEN YOU SPEAK?
Words are like capsules that hold powerful substances. Like any drug, the content of that capsule (pill) has the power to heal or kill. I wish we could see by way of pictures what form our words take when we release them. Are they sweet like honey or bitter like lemons?
“From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive. Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Prov. 16:23-24 NLT
Have you ever had a conversation with someone and left that conversation feeling like you needed to take a bath? Or maybe out of nowhere you felt really heavy or sad? Words have such an ability to heal or wound. They can bring someone back to life or cut them and leave them bleeding. They can be also be like fiery darts in the spirit realm; that’s why the Apostle Paul told us to put on the Whole Armor of God- especially the shield of faith, to stop every fiery dart.
“When you speak healing words, you offer others fruit from the tree of life. But unhealthy, negative words do nothing but crush their hopes.” Proverbs 15:1-2, 4 TPT
Take time to break those word curses off when you feel them and let that be a reminder to guard your own tongue-because life and death resides in what we speak. Our words have power and authority in the unseen realm.
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Prov. 18:21 NIV
USE YOUR AUTHORITY WISELY.
I thought it would be good to meditate on scriptures this week as it relates to our speech, so we all can re-evaluate our hearts and how our words affects others.
“Respond gently when you are confronted and you’ll defuse the rage of another. Responding with sharp, cutting words will only make it worse. Don’t you know that being angry can ruin the testimony of even the wisest of men? When wisdom speaks, understanding becomes attractive. But the words of the fool make their ignorance look laughable.”
“If you keep talking, it won’t be long before you’re saying something really wrong. Prove you’re wise from the very start—just bite your tongue and be strong!” Prov. 10:19 TPT
“Never retaliate when someone treats you wrongly, nor insult those who insult you, but instead, respond by speaking a blessing over them—because a blessing is what God promised to give you. For the Scriptures tell us: Whoever wants to embrace true life and find beauty in each day must stop speaking evil, hurtful words and never deceive in what they say.” 1 Peter 3:9-10 TPT
Jesus speaking…“Every tree will be revealed by the quality of fruit that it produces. Figs or grapes will never be picked off thorn trees. People are known in this same way. Out of the virtue stored in their hearts, good and upright people will produce good fruit. But out of the evil hidden in their hearts, evil ones will produce what is evil. For the overflow of what has been stored in your heart will be seen by your fruit and will be heard in your words.” Luke 6:44-45 TPT
Jesus speaking..“Is it hard to understand that whatever you eat enters the stomach only to pass out into the sewer? But what comes out of your mouth reveals the core of your heart. Words can pollute, not food. You will find living within an impure heart evil ideas, murderous thoughts, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, lies, and slander. That’s what pollutes a person. Eating with unwashed hands doesn’t defile anyone.” Matt. 15:17-18 TPT
“Let every word you speak be drenched with grace and tempered with truth and clarity. For then you will be prepared to give a respectful answer to anyone who asks about your faith.” Colossians 4:6 TPT
“But don’t let the passion of your emotions lead you to sin! Don’t let anger control you or be fuel for revenge, not for even a day. Don’t give the slanderous accuser, the Devil, an opportunity to manipulate you! And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them.” Ephesians 4:26, 27, 29 TPT
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Prov.4:23 NIV
Closing prayer: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NIV