#5: The Importance of Our Words

Note: Who or what is directing your life? Could it be that like a small rudder directs a ship, that your words direct your life? Today we will look at the importance of the words we speak.
 
A mature Christian keeps his tongue under the control
     of the Holy Spirit and lets God direct his words.
That way, the Lord, his Pilot, directs his life.
(James 3:2, 4)

Poor guidance and wise guidance are both
    in the power of the tongue;
Therefore blessed are those whose words produce good.
(James 3:2-4, Proverbs 18:21, Luke 6:45)

One who exalts wisdom agrees with healthy words,
     but those who are misled argue against the truth.
(I Timothy 6:3-5)
 
A perverse mouth is uncompassionate, proud and rude.
But he who guards his tongue will see good days and love life.
(I Peter 3:8-12)
 
Better to say nothing than to complain or criticize.
And better to hold your peace than to express doubt or unbelief towards God's Word.
(Philippians 2:14-15, Colossians 3:12-13, James 4:11-12, 5:9, I Peter 4:9)
 
Whoever never sins with his words is a perfect person
     who can control his whole body.
(James 3:2)
 
The teeth of wild dogs bite and devour;
     also a carnal mouth spews out hatred,
     jealousy, strife and outbursts of wrath.
(Galatians 5:15-20, Philippians 3:2, James 3:14-16)
 
Careless are the words of a fool,
     but whoever loves life keeps his tongue from speaking evil.
(I Peter 3:10, Psalm 34:13, Proverbs 15:2, 14, 29:11)
 
A backbiter destroys relationships with his tongue,
    but one practicing love seeks peaceful relationships
    with people and with God.
(I Peter 3:10-12, Romans 12:18, 14:19, Psalm 34:14)
 
The tongue of the wicked is an unruly and restless evil,
     full of deadly poison.
(James 3:8, Psalm 36:1-4)
 
Like a fire out of control, so are the destructive words of a fool.
For he boasts of great things
     and his tongue is set on fire from hell.
But mature Christians keep their tongues under
     the strict control of the Word and Spirit of God.
(James 3:1-6, Proverbs 16:27)
 
Building up and tearing down are in the power of the tongue;
    for words can destroy evil works and create blessings,
    or destroy what is good and create evil.
(James 3:2-4, Proverbs 18:20-21, 12:14, Luke 6:45)
 
Beloved, consistently speak words that build up the church
     and minister grace to the hearers.
For as bitter waters mixed with sweet,
     so is he who blesses God and curses man.
(Ephesians 4:29, James 3:8-11)
 
Corrupt and worthless communication
    pours out of the mouth of a fool.
But the words of the wise build up others
    and minister grace to them.
(Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 10:14, 18:2, 6-7, Ecclesiastes 5:3)
 
He who believes he is serving Christ,
     but refuses to restrain his big mouth, is deceived.
His religion is worthless!
(James 1:26)
 
Note:  Many of us are aware of the Bible promise that if we will acknowledge the Lord in all our ways, that He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5) But part of acknowledging Him as Lord is to give our tongues to God, to be used as instruments of righteousness for Him (Romans 6:13).

Note: this devotional is from Proverbs of Faith, Hope, and Love, Volume 1, Day 70, pages 158-160.