I remember back when I was young if one of the others in the neighborhood crew said something bad about someone’s Mom or Dad or a family member you would hear as fists came up “You’re going to eat those words”. A parent or babysitter might be heard saying “Hey, watch your mouth”! Words have power. Words have creative power. We are made in the image of God. God SPOKE things into being and so do we.
Saying negative or “bad” things about others or about yourself only produces bad fruit. God is clear. What you sow you will reap. That is true with our words as well as with our actions.
Listen to what comes out of your mouth. It is very telling of what is in your heart. Do you put others down with your words or encourage them with your words? Are your words gracious or harsh? Are your words producing LIFE or death? We choose. Do you have trouble with your mouth? Here are a few scriptures that can help before choosing your words.
In the Bible, James (chapter 3) asks the question “Who can control the tongue?” We all need God’s help with this. It will only be by the fruit of the Spirit working in us that we will have success in this area. Galatians 5:22 says the FRUIT of the SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and SELF CONTROL. Controlling our tongues takes self-control which is a fruit of the Spirit of God working in us.
The most powerful thing you can let come out of your mouth to produce good fruit is the WORD of GOD. Fill your mind, heart and soul with it. Put Bible verses everywhere and meditate on them getting them deep in your soul. You might be surprised what starts coming out of your mouth that helps others. That heals others. That encourages and builds others up. Your words full of God’s Word have great impact around you. So I kindly exhort you to “watch your words”!
