Just Words

Throughout the Bible, there is a great deal that is said about our words. Psalm 19:14 is a good example. It says, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Yet, far too often, we give little thought to the way we use our words. Far too often, our words are not pleasing to God. When we speak in unrighteous anger, with hatred and bitterness, with murmuring and complaining, our words are not pleasing to God.

With good reason then, Paul writes, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29). We are often so careless with our words. Our careless words shoot from our mouths like bullets from a gun and the wounds that are left are painful and slow to heal.

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" (Proverbs 12:8). So think twice before you speak. Be sure that your words are for healing, for building up and above all are pleasing to God.