Have you ever noticed how many times we speak the opposite of what we really want or believe? It happens especially when we are frustrated or trying to figure out a problem that has us stumped. We might say things like “this will never work” or “I give up.”
Other times we might be in a difficult conversation and say things we later regret and really didn’t mean but the heat of the moment plowed right over our better judgment. Our mouths can get us into so much trouble!
Sometimes what we say may not be hurtful but it’s easy to just be plain negative. Let’s face it; life isn’t exactly easy these days. What with the economy, politicians, taxes, traffic, job stress, hectic lifestyles and even the weather, there is much to grumble about. But does our grumbling do us any good?
The better question is, does it do the people around us any good? Who hears us when we grumble? Our families for sure. Our friends and neighbors, maybe. And likely a host of other people who just happen to be in earshot when we are at the grocery store or the doctor’s office or church. How do our words affect those who hear them? Maybe those who are searching and wondering if we have what they are looking for, are listening more closely than we realize.
The Lord gives us some direction in Deuteronomy 30:19 – I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants.
God told us we should choose life. And one way that we can do that is by paying attention to what we say because according to Proverbs 18:21, Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
What we say has incredible impact so choose to speak life. You never know who might be listening.