What Did You Say!
Author: Pat Aman
Coffee With Pat
But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. (NKJV) Matthew 12:36
Scriptures About Our Words
When we speak words, they are said…..And you can “take them back.” we absolutely cannot retrieve words spoken out loud.
Words can kill the spirit or heal the spirit. They can edify or they can
demolish. Here is a bit of what God’s word has to say about our words.
The Power of the Tongue
James 3:4-10 (NRSV) Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed
among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets
on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue–a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so.
Contrast Between Edifying Words & Destructive Words
Prov 15:2 (NRSV) The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge, but the
mouths of fools pour out folly.
Prov 15:4 (NRSV) A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it
breaks the spirit.
Eph 4:29 (NRSV) Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is
useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give
grace to those who hear.
Prov 12:18 (NRSV) Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of
the wise brings healing.
Eph 5:4-6 (NRSV) Entirely out of place is obscene, silly, and vulgar talk;
but instead, let there be thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no
fornicator or impure person, or one who is greedy (that is, an idolater),
has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one
deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient.
Warning Against Futile Words
Eccl 5:3 (NRSV) For dreams come with many cares, and a fool’s voice with
many words.
Mat 6:7 (NRSV) When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the
Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many
words.
Media – Books