How to Manage Your Words

Memory Verse: “Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak]” Ephesians 4:29 (AMP).

Bible Text:   James 3:1-12.

Spiritual Emphasis: The Bible teaches that managing the tongue requires heart transformation, as words reflect inner thoughts. Every believer must understand the effects, power and the rightful use of words. 

1. Use of Negative words

• Lying: God is not a fan of lying and liars – Pro.6:16-19, 12:22.

• Backbiting and slander: It sows evil seed in both the slanderer and the hearer – Psa.15:1-3, Lev.19:16-17.
• Deception: Every deception is borne out of a negative intention – Pro.26:18-19, 24:28.
• Idle words and tattling: It endanger people – Eph.5:4, 1 Tim.5:13.

2. Managing your words.

• THINK: Before speaking, consider if your words are true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind, as “death and life are in the power of the tongue” – Proverbs 18:21; Phil. 4:8. 

• Guard Your Heart: Because the mouth speaks from the abundance of the heart, and issues of life flows from the heart, therefore filling the heart with truth and love results in better speech – Matt. 12:34, Prov. 4:23.
• Seek Divine Help: Pray and depend on the Holy Spirit to help set guard over your mouth – Psalm 141:3
• Practice Silence: Encouraging restraint in speech helps to avoid regret – Prov.10:19.

Question: What do you think the Lord meant by “idle words” in Matthew 12:36?

Conclusion

Do you want to be a perfect Christian? Then you need to learn to gain control of the use of your tongue. (Jam.3:2). There is a need to check ourselves in how we use our tongues and manage our words very well. Psa.141: 3 will be a good prayer every Christian should always consider daily. 

Shalom!

Self-Study: Prov. 13:3; James 1:26; 1 Peter 3:10; Prov. 18:21; Col. 4:6; Prov. 15:4; Matt. 12:36-37; Prov. 21:23; Prov. 10:19; Matt. 12:36; James 1:22; Matt. 15:18; Gal. 5:22-23; Luke 6:45.