The words of your mouth

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

Words are important

The old saying, “Sticks and stones may hurt my bones, but words will never hurt me” is not true! Words do hurt and can do much damage. I have spoken words in haste or in anger and then immediately wished I could take them back, but could not! The damage had already been done! Speaking words in haste is like squeezing toothpaste from a tube; it comes out fast and easy, but you will never be able to get it back into the tube.The Bible has a lot to say about words.

Rash words are like sword thrusts

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Prov. 12:18 ESV)

Death and life is in the power of the tongue

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” (Prov. 18:21 ESV)

A soft answer turns away wrath

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Prov. 15:1 ESV)

Gracious words are like sweetness to the soul

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” (Prov. 16:24 ESV)

Therefore…

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Eph. 4:29 ESV)