There are some things that when released can never be undone or taken back. One of these things is speech.

Words that matter

The Bible tells us that our tongue holds the power of life and death. Our words, whatever they are, contain the power to bind up, heal and restore; as well as to tear down, crumble and destroy. Because of this, we should be careful in speaking and choose to speak only the words that matter.

Proverbs 10:19-21 tells us, "Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless. The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense."

Friends, our words have weight. By them we either turn others away from sinning, or we ourselves fall into sin. By them we can help others find life in God, or make them think of Him as a bad person who is not trustworthy. Yes, words are that powerful.

Our words speak for or against us

One more reason to think about the words that we let out of our mouths is because whatever we say will be used to judge us. The Lord Jesus said in Matthew 12:36-37 that "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."

Think about it. Even If we're saved, and no matter how many good things we've done in Jesus' name, our words, whether we've said them in private or in public, will be judged. Nothing escapes the eyes and ears of our all-knowing and omnipresent God. Whatever we think or say, He knows it.

The secret to having the right words to say

So do you want to speak nothing but the right words, those that build up instead of tear down? Here's a secret that's actually not a secret: it's not about the words itself. It's about the content of your heart.

"Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things." (Matthew 12:33-35)

Strive, then, to renew your mind and thinking with the Word of God. Choose to be transformed into the new creation that God has said you are in Christ. Let's let the Holy Spirit lead us into all truth.