The gift of speech is a privilege, use it wisely!

The gift of speech is one of the most precious gifts given to man by God. Words can be beautifully arranged and spoken to provide healing, peace, comfort, encouragement, motivation, and strength to the listener. In contrast, words can also be used as a weapon to injure and destroy. Unfortunately, we live in a world that has an unfiltered tongue, and many are careless, reckless, and irresponsible with their words. Everywhere you look, someone has texted, tweeted, or spoken hurtful, derogatory, insulting, offensive, insensitive, disparaging, hateful words towards someone else (see 11 Sins of the Tongue). So often we take the incredible privilege of speech for granted and abuse an ability that ought to be treasured, guarded, and used to edify others and glorify God. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” which means you have the “privilege of choice” to speak words that promote life to heal and not harm the recipient. With that privilege, you are also responsible for considering others and how your words may affect them. Below are a couple of suggestions that will help your speech produce good results:

• Think and care about the positive influence and effect uplifting words can have on others. It doesn’t take much; just a few words can brighten someone’s day, whether spoken, sent via a text, or a card. (Proverbs 16:24)
• To avoid harming others or committing errors, take a moment to examine the intent and content of your words before speaking. Not only is it essential in what words you use, but also in how your message is delivered. (1 Peter 3:10)

“But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). Only God can help you use your tongue for good as you yield to the Holy Ghost and the Word of God to control your speech. As Saints of God, let us choose life and use the power of a Godly tongue to be a blessing to someone else and a praise unto God.