Bible Truths: “The Words of Our Mouth”

“The Words of Our Mouth”

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14

“Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”  Most of us have heard this saying at one time or another.  Is it a true statement?  No.  Words can hurt people.  “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21)  As Christians, we do not want to bring reproach to the name of Our Lord and Saviour because of our corrupt communication.  We must ask His help, each day, that we may speak in a manner that is acceptable to Him.  Here are some instructions from Him:

Speak Sparingly – Proverbs 10:19  “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”

The more we run our mouth, the more sinful things are going to come out of it.  How many times have we left a conversation wishing that we had just stayed quiet on some things?  We all need to learn to refrain our lips.

Think Before We Speak – Proverbs 15:28  “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.”

It is in our nature to want to interrupt others and let our opinion known.  We chomp at the bit, waiting for our turn to speak.  Being of a “quick wit” is a way to be the center of a crowd.  However, the Bible says to study before we answer.  Think before we speak.  If we think before we speak, we can keep ourselves from a lot of trouble. (Proverbs 21:23)

Speak Pleasant Words – Proverbs 15:26  “The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.”

As followers of Christ, we should speak pleasant words.  If we speak sparingly and think before we speak, we can use words and tones that are pleasant to others.  We, as followers of Christ, should not speak arrogant, condescending, vulgar or backbiting words.

Speak Edifying Words – Proverbs 12:25  “Heaviness in the heart of a man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”

We should be looking for ways to help other people with our words.  A good word, a word fitly spoken (Proverbs 25:11), can build up others.

The words we speak indicate the condition of our heart, “for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh”.  (Matthew 12:34)  If our communication is corrupt, we need to ask the Lord to work on our heart.  He is the only one who can prepare our hearts to teach our tongues to speak acceptable words in His sight.  (Proverbs 16:1)