“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.” ~ Proverbs 18:21 NASB
Sometime around 7am last Thursday morning, I left my home and began my morning commute. After making a quick stop at my favorite blueberry muffin spot, I pointed my Princess (that’s my car :-)) in the direction of the interstate. The sun had yet to make its appearance, so it was still quite dark outside.
As I cruised downhill, just feet away from the interstate on-ramp, I barely made out a figure dressed in dark clothing, walking uphill against the traffic. Startled by the fact that the man was barely visible and walking in a high traffic area, I said out loud, “He’s going to get hit!” As those words rolled off my tongue, something came over me. Immediately, I caught myself and uttered a prayer, “Forgive me, Lord. In the name of Jesus, I cancel those words. Father, protect this man and get him to his destination safely. Amen.”
Quite possibly this man was trying to get home or to get to work. Instead of my first thought being to pray for his protection, I am ashamed to admit the words that traveled across my lips were of impending harm. Without even a thought, I’d allowed my tongue to speak death, instead of life, over this stranger.
Sadly, this is something we do all too often. How often do we use phrases like, “This headache is killing me;” “That child is going to be the death of me;” “I’m broke;” “I love you to death!” Ok, it might seem petty, but please don’t love me to death! LOL…
Words are powerful! If we’re honest, we can probably recall past conversations and words spoken that were the brick and mortar that built the place or situation we’re in today.
As a writer, I thrive on the power of words. I live for the pictures they paint and the impact they have on those who hear and read them. Today, I just want to remind us to be careful not to speak flippantly. Instead, let’s commit to practice taking great care with our words regarding a stranger as well as our words regarding our lives and the lives of those we love.
Wise, Virtuous, Valuable,
So true Monica. I’ve had to catch myself when I say this headache is killing me. So easy to speak carelessly.
I’ve used that one sometimes, myself. I had to consciously make myself change my words. Now I say something like “this headache is really challenging me today.” LOL…
Careless words — we will be held accountable for them. And I utter so many . . . .
On the bright side, what a blessing to be able to use our tongues to speak life and love!
I tell you…that little incident brought about a truly welcomed reminder for me. Sometimes, I simply pay far less attention to my tongue than I should. Thank you for stopping by. Hope to see you again soon!
Thank you so much for stopping by today! Always nice to meet new bloggers!
I love this post and it is unfortunately all too true. We do tend to speak before we really think or pray about it. I know that I really need to work on that. Thank you so much for your lovely reminder!
Nicole from Coming Alive In Christ
Life is just beginning to settle down for me a bit, so I’ve decided to try to do a little blog perusing at least once a week now. I would love to meet other writers, especially women. I’m about to begin some writings especially for unmarried ladies, so if you know any please send them over for a visit.
The tongue is such a powerful weapon. It can be our ally or our enemy, and we get to make the choice with each word we speak. I’ll be praying for others as I do for myself that we work diligently, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to make our tongues our allies!
I’ll be back to visit Coming Alive in Christ. I love the title, because I feel like that’s exactly where I am these days. It’s an amazing feeling.
Monica
The power of our words is very strong. And, our thoughts often become our words…sometimes without us even thinking about it…
I have been working on getting my thoughts in line lately. And by lately I mean for pretty much my entire life…
You are not alone. I believe, if we’re honest, words are a struggle for most of us even on our best days. I’ve struggled to watch my tongue my entire life, as well. These days I know to ask the Holy Spirit for help, and He is always faithful to do so!
Thank you for visiting, and please do come again. 🙂
One of the things that comes most readily out of my mouth is “you stupid thing” yet I know I am not stupid, the thing I have done may be unwise but the tongue lables me.
I am fighting a battle over going to a reunion this week end and at the root of it all it my comment when I look in the mirror and say…fat slob.
I know God does not label me in this way…..I know it damages me…it is as the verse says a constant thing we need to watch…..all the time and over and over.
Thank you so much for stopping by my place. I was delighted to read your comment. 🙂
My father can’t stand the word “stupid”. Therefore, it was certainly a forbidden word in our home. As adults, my sisters and I will use it jokingly about things, but we are always cautious about using the word about each other or ourselves. To this day I cringe when I hear someone call themselves “stupid”. Someone calling themselves “fat” has a similar impact on me. Let’s face it, as women, most of us wish we were smaller than what we are. It’s a never ending cycle. My manager mentioned to me the other day that she’d read Psalm 139 prior to work and how it impacted her morning. I took a visit there myself later that day. Now I’m sending you there, as well. I think we all can use a reminder of how much care the Lord took in crafting us before we were ever thought of in the mind of our birth parents. To read it is truly breathtaking. You are TRULY fearfully and wonderfully made – not a “stupid thing” or a “fat slob”. God loves you! Now go sashay on into that reunion (whenever it is) like the sparkling jewel in His crown that you are!!!
I hope to read all about it later!
Please come again and invite your girlfriends for a visit.