The Heartbeat of Words ~ “What Did You Say?”

September 3, 2023

“Those who guard their mouths preserve their lives; those who open wide their lips come to ruin.” Proverbs 13:3 (NRSV)

“Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.” Proverbs 13:3 (NLT)

 ^“In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.” James 3:5 (NLT)

Have you ever said something that you truly regretted?  Yes, I have!  Most would agree that WORDS HAVE POWER! The words we speak are not simply a tool we use for communication with one another, words can actually be used as an instrument of showing emotion, connection, thoughts and used as a vehicle of transformation.  Words possess the remarkable ability to convey meaning, evoke passion, excitement and influence our thoughts in profound ways. Our words also have the power to inspire, form groups and shape societies.

There is often little thought and respect given to the power of words.  While words hold the power to uplift, inspire, connect, shape our perceptions and beliefs, they also possess the potential to harm, manipulate, and destroy. The impact of hurtful, misleading, or negative words can be profound and far-reaching, affecting individuals, relationships, and even entire communities. The damage caused by words spoken is a significant and often underestimated aspect of human communication.   

Our words are so powerful that silence is sometimes the wisest action.

Some of The Negative Consequences of WORDS:

1. Insulting and offensive remarks are verbal abuse that can lead to feelings of humiliation, shame, anxiety, and depression. Repeated exposure to hurtful language can cause emotional and psychological distress eroding self-esteem and self-worth.
2. Offensive words have the power to damage relationships often irreparably. Trust can be shattered, and emotional bonds can be severed due to the impact of hurtful words. Disrespectful language and hurtful comments can damage relationships leading to conflicts between friends, family members, and colleagues.
3. Words used to convey false information or promote misinformation can lead to misguided beliefs and actions. Deceptive and misinformation can influence decisions causing cultural and social division affecting health politics, and polarizing societies and communities.
4. Words are used as weapons to incite violence or hatred. Hate speech and extremist rhetoric can fuel animosity and hostility between different groups, leading to physical harm and conflict. The digital age has magnified the damage of words through cyberbullying. Hurtful comments, insults, and threats online can lead to severe emotional distress, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts among victims.
5. Negative words and experiences during childhood can have long-lasting effects on development. Children who are exposed to verbal abuse or harsh criticism may grow up with emotional scars that affect their self-esteem and relationships. Research shows that constant criticism and demeaning language can lead to a distorted self-image, eating disorders, and other psychological struggles.
6. Negative words can be used to silence dissenting voices or suppress certain perspectives. By silencing discrediting or ridiculing opposing viewpoints, constructive dialogue and progress can be hindered. Negative words can be used to perpetuate stereotypes, stigmatize certain groups, and reinforce discrimination. Hate speech, racial slurs, and derogatory language can contribute to total oppression and marginalization, fostering an environment of intolerance.

It is a true saying ~ When You Open Your Mouth, You Tell People Who You Are!

OUR WORDS REVEAL WHAT IS IN OUR HEART.

The kind of words that come from your mouth is an indication of what your heart is really like. You can’t solve your heart problem just by cleaning up your speech. You must allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with new attitudes and motives; then your speech will be cleansed at its source.

 Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.” (NRSV)

Would you change the way you live if you knew that every word and thought would be examined by God? OUR WORDS OUGHT TO PLEASE GOD. David asked God in Psalm chapter 19  to approve his words and thoughts as though they were offerings brought to the altar. He began this psalm noting that the whole creation manages to express God’s glory. He ended his thoughts with a prayer that God might be pleased with his words. As you begin each day, determine to let God’s love guide what you say and how you think.  Psalms 19:14, May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock, and my redeemer. (NLT)

Our Words Show What Kind of People We Really Are!

♥ Both words of blessing and wicked words are very powerful.

Proverbs 15:1. A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (NRSV)

♥ What we say makes a real difference in our relationships.

Proverbs 17:9.  ^“One who forgives an affront fosters friendship, but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend.” (NRSV)

♥ The words we speak during our life can condemn us or justify us on Judgment Day.

Matthew 12:36-37.  “I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter;  for by your words, you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (NRSV)

Our words matter to God and only those who speak rightly can enter His presence. The Psalmist penned in chapter 15  giving s description of those who may enter into the presence of God and worship in His sanctuary. Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from a sincere hearts will refuse to slander others or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.

RX A CONTROLLEDHEART: Our words are so powerful that silence is sometimes the wisest!    Words can cut and destroy. You have not mastered self-control if you do not control what you say. James recognized this truth when he stated, in James 3:4-5, “A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire.” (MSG)  If you want to be self-controlled, begin with your tongue. Stop and think before you react or speak. If you can control this small but powerful member, you can control the rest of your body.

“If you grow a healthy tree, you’ll pick healthy fruit. If you grow a diseased tree, you’ll pick worm-eaten fruit. The fruit tells you about the tree. You have minds like a snake pit! How do you suppose what you say is worth anything when you are so foul-minded? It’s your heart, not the dictionary, that gives meaning to your words. A good person produces good deeds and words season after season. An evil person is a blight on the orchard.  Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation.” Matthew 12:33-37 (MSG)

FATHER GOD: Thank You for Your Word that teaches us how to live and glorify You!  Help us to remember that as Believers in Christ, our words are important because we are Your representatives. Help us to be reminded, when we tell others about You, we should always be gracious in what we say. No matter how much sense the message makes, we lose our effectiveness when we are not courteous. Help us to ALWAYS represent You well, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen!