The Words We Speak

I'm reading through the Bible in 6 months, reading a portion from the Old and New Testaments each day. So far, I'm more than halfway through Genesis and around ch. 13 of Matthew. So, just a thought from one of the passages I read this week:

It's very easy, when things don't go our way or someone offends us, to ride off our emotions and say things that simply are not beneficial. I've definitely been guilty of that, more times than I'd like to admit. Jesus said, once when speaking to the Pharisees, "And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either ACQUIT you or CONDEMN you" (Matt. 12:36-37).

Being in disagreement with something or someone doesn't give us the right to act in a way that's contrary to the character of God. "So, you're saying we're to keep our mouths closed?" Not necessarily (though it might be a good idea), but we are to weigh the heaviness of what we're getting ready to say. The apostle Paul said, "Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone" (Col. 4:5-6). He also writes, "Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them" (Ecclesiases 4:29).

We have to be careful with what we say... and how we say it.

"... no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God" (James 3:8-9)