Mind Your Tongue

“From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18:20-21 ESV

The journey of parenthood has blessed us with countless joyous and unforgettable experiences, from beholding that first smile and precious giggle to witnessing those wiggly first steps.

 As a new parent years ago, there was a unique joy in hearing my little girl mumble her first words. The depth of connection between us multiplied.

Words connect us all and are the essential ingredients that weave the fabric of our social lives. Through words, we convey our deepest human emotions—the ecstasy of joy, the depth of sorrow, and everything in between.

 It is through the power of the tongue that politicians connect with their constituents, pastors communicate the very mind of God to His people, and loved ones seal the covenant of marriage when they tie the knot in holy matrimony.

The Apostle James declared that the tongue is indeed a small member, and yet, it boasts of great things (James 3:5). Through this one little member of your body, you activate the flow of either life or death.

The scripture in our opening verse shows us clearly that we create our own sustenance, with the fruit of our mouth.

Have you thought about it that the same tongue that can declare undying love to your spouse holds the terrifying power to tear that same marriage apart. The voice that can edify others through powerful encouragement can, through gossip and criticism, unjustly tear others down.

Hear the warning from James regarding the tongue: “And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.” (James 3:6 ESV).

The tongue will ultimately determine the course, the very direction, of your life. Therefore, we must be conscious of our words. If it is prosperity you desire, then you must speak prosperity. If you seek health and peace, you must use your tongue aright to declare them.

Your Father in heaven is the original Creator, and He used words alone to fill the galaxies with stars and command the seas to teem with living creatures. You are made in the very image of God, and because of this, His creative ability is undeniably at work in you.

Refuse to talk like a natural man—speaking solely in reaction to circumstances or what your physical eyes currently see. Instead, use your words to chart the course of your life.

Unleash the power of the Word that is planted in your spirit through the declarations of your mouth, and watch the scenery of your life change.

And finally, be careful what you say about your marriage, your church, your fellow believers, and your family. Used wrongly, the tongue can destroy your life and relationships.

Use it rather to build and to plant. Just as the Lord commissioned Jeremiah: “Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me, ‘Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant.’” Jeremiah 1:9-10 NKJV. Let your tongue be used only for the building and planting of life.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me creative ability through the tongue. From today, I declare with my mouth peace in my marriage, prosperity in my bank account, and righteousness in my city. Failure and limitations are banished from my life. I speak life over my destiny in Jesus’ Name. Amen.