Everyone that (and this does actually mean everyone, literally), has the physical ability to speak or communicate, has been, at one point in time or another, exposed to the effects of words or has made various utterances (communications) that can affect people using words. Words, whether positive, negative or just outright confusing, can definitely have an effect on people.
Due to this obvious truth, the following conclusion must be derived:
Words matter!!!
Positive words can be heart warming, encouraging, empowering and uplifting. They can be very effective to build a person up or strengthen a person's spirit (whether they are in need of fortification or not).
Negative words, on the other hand, are destructive, detrimental, degrading, discouraging, depressing, denigrating, disrespectful and many times dishonest. Negative words just tear people down, kill dreams and hurt hearts.
The scriptures make mention of the effects of words here:
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. ... Proverbs 18 vs 21*
Now, before continuing, it makes sense to mention that the part about confusing words is actually, quite literally, confusing. So that may just have to be a topic of discussion for another time or blog post.
Also at this juncture, it is critically vital to point out and establish that this is not a forum that is given to pushing false doctrines of any form, so this write up, especially due to the topic of discussion, will only be following the norm to reject false doctrines.
Disclaimer:
Hence, having clearly pointed out the intended, and obvious, direction for this post on the subject above, please note that this post is not about (and is not in support of nor does it affirm), today's Name it & Claim it: Word of Faith Ministry doctrines nor any Prosperity Gospel teachings. This post is not about the Laws of Attraction movement and neither is this about the New Age Movement nor any other movement and/or their worldly use of words. Also, for the record, this write up is, in no way, shape or form, meant to be received or perceived as to be connected to the New Apostolic Reformation, 'Blab it & Grab it' type of power of the confessions of the mouth belief at all either.
Though, in all honesty, it is hard to ignore that when one considers the negative effects of words in connection with this disclaimer context above ... it brings to mind 2 Peter 2 vs 3
Anyway ... This post is only about the scriptures (sola scriptura), what the scriptures have to say about our words and their Qadosh RUACH (HOLY SPIRIT) inspired use.
Our Words:
Do not let your words be instruments of evil whether in jest, out of emotion, from foolish pride, due to insecurity or in anger.
There are numerous verses, in the scriptures, that teach us all the right way that our words should be used and the ways not to use our words like ... The heart of the righteous studies to (weighs his) answer: but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things from Proverbs 15 vs 28 which is just one of many scriptures that address the words we speak. The scriptures also contain many many warnings for us too. Here, below, are just a few:
In Exodus 20 vs 16 (the 9th commandment), the scriptures say 'Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor' ... a commandment that speaks expressly against using our words for evil. This 9th commandment is very similar in content to the admonishings from Exodus 23 vs 1 - 2 & 6 - 7 (the 2nd verse of Exodus 23 being somewhat reminiscent of the content from Proverbs 1 ... where it is made evident that blessings are obtained for not participating in such evil activities). Proverbs 12 vs 19 says that the lip of truth shall be established forever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment then Proverbs 13 vs 3 goes on further to say He that guards his mouth guards his life: but he that opens wide his lips shall have destruction ... which clearly shows, per the scriptures, that our words are to be taken seriously.
In fact we are to be cautious of our words, if for no other reason than, for the mere fact that we must contemplate, that the scriptures clearly state, that every idle word we speak is being recorded in Heaven and we will give account on Judgement Day.
Warnings and wise advice ...
Proverbs 10 vs 19
Proverbs 11 vs 12
Proverbs 12 vs 18
Proverbs 18 vs 8
Proverbs 26 vs 20
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O YAHAWAH, my strength, and my Redeemer ... Psalm 19 vs 14
Consider these scriptures ...
Psalm 139 vs 4
Psalm 141 vs 3
Proverbs 10 vs 11
Proverbs 12 vs 14
Proverbs 15 vs 1
Proverbs 15 vs 2
Proverbs 15 vs 4
Proverbs 15 vs 7
Proverbs 16 vs 24
Proverbs 17 vs 27
Proverbs 17 vs 28
Proverbs 18 vs 4
Proverbs 18 vs 21*
Proverbs 21 vs 23
Proverbs 25 vs 11
Proverbs 29 vs 20
Malachi 3 vs 16
Then per the new covenant ...
Matthew 12 vs 35 - 37** (idle words)
Matthew 15 vs 11
Luke 6 vs 45
Ephesians 4 vs 25
Ephesians 4 vs 29
Ephesians 5 vs 4
Colossians 4 vs 3
Colossians 4 vs 6
2 Timothy 2 vs 16
What our words reveal about us:
Our words reflect the state of our heart
How we handle words when angry (Ephesians 4 vs 26-27)
If we harbor hatred or keep malice
If we are bitter for any reason from our past
If we reflect MASHIACH in our lives
If we are truthful and love truth
If we love peace and are peacemakers
If we self sabotage with our words or denigrate ourself with our utterances
If we respect others
If we truly love one another
If we truly love ABBA YAHAWAH
Do we gossip? Do we enjoy gossip (talking or listening)? We are warned of the fruit or consequences of gossip in Proverbs 18 vs 21* and Proverbs 26 vs 20
REMEMBER ... Our words & deeds are recorded in Heaven:
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned. ... Matthew 12 vs 36 - 37**
Ecclesiastes 12 vs 13 - 14, in the Old Testament, tells us to fear ABBA YAHAWAH and guard His commandments but it notably concludes by telling us that ABBA YAHAWAH will judge EVERYTHING we do.
Through time, many problems have risen from how we handle our speech. Most often we speak out of anger or pride or bitterness or foolishness because we all want to be heard and need to express our opinions. Whether warranted or not, whether wise or not we feel that we must speak our minds, most times out of turn, and give others, within the radius that our voices can reach, a piece of our mind. But the truth is that the wise take time to listen more (James 1 vs 19) so that their utterances are seasoned with wisdom.
The wise use their words wisely and judiciously to speak life because ... The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself as stated in Ecclesiastes 10 vs 12
So ... Riddle me this truthfully ... Do your words speak life or death?
Shalom!
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