Have you ever made a comment or sent a text and immediately wished you could take it back? I have! Then I obsess about it, trying to figure out how to make it better. Should I face it head-on and apologize? Or move on and hope it wasn’t as bad as I think it was? Unfortunately, the words we speak, or text, or post cannot be taken back. And it is often the things we wish we wouldn’t have said that live in infamy. Especially in this day of tweets and retweets.
The Bible is not silent on the topic of our tongues. God makes it clear that our words are powerful, and our tongues can get us into trouble.
In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. – James 3:5 NLT
It is with our tongues that we:
Use the Lord’s name in vain.
Dishonor our parents.
Lie.
Gossip and slander.
Quarrel.
Display angry outbursts.
Fuel dissension & division.
Destroy friends.
Crush spirits.
It may seem like verbal sins aren’t as bad as physical ones. After all, sticks and stones… But Jesus made it clear that our words come from our hearts (Matthew 15:18), and that’s where the trouble starts. A tiny spark can set a whole forest on fire! One day we will give an account for every careless word we speak (or text or post). (Matthew 12:35-37) It’s better to keep our mouth shut than to utter words that damage. Like mom always said: “Think before you speak.”
Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. – Proverbs 10:19 NLT
The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking. – Proverbs 15:28 NLT
Our words matter, especially as Christ-followers. With our words, we have the power to build people up and encourage them. To comfort them when they hurt. To make them smile. To show them they’re loved. And most importantly, to tell them about Jesus. Choose your words carefully!
It is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! – Proverbs 15:23 NLT
Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. – Ephesians 4:29 NLT
