What Did You “SAY?”

How often do we think before we speak? How many times have we said something we wished we could take back or wished we’d simply never said it in the first place? How many people have we hurt by something we’ve said to or about them? Has there ever been a time when you said something and someone close by looked at you—shocked—and said, “What did you say?”

James warned of the dangers of an uncontrolled tongue with these words: “the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell” (James 3:5-6 NIV). He didn’t mince words because he knew the great danger of an out-of-control tongue.

A dear friend recently sent me the following. From its truths, we can recognize the dangers of an uncontrolled tongue while at the same time understanding the benefits of a tongue under control. Consider its simple truths for a moment:

What Did You “SAY?”
Words spoken are in motion:
Words can maim or words can mend;
They can be weapons or balm.
Our words can be Satan’s marching orders;
Or, with them God may send His angels on a mission.
Have you heard someone spew cursing about people or things?
Words start wars and stop wars.
Hitler’s words sent millions of Jews to their death.
Winston Churchill’s classic speech spared England.
We have also heard people spew meaningless chatter.
God said, “Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many” (Proverbs 4:10 NIV).
~~ Frances Knight, Author of: Christianity Alive! with Prayer Power

STOP and think about what you just read. Now, consider something more James adds: “It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be” (James 3:8-10 NIV).

Before you are forced to ask yourself, “What did I say?;” ask yourself “What should I say?” Remember: “The tongue has no bones but it is strong enough to break a heart. So be careful with your words” (Greek Proverb). With an out-of-control tongue, men have lost jobs, friends, spouses and nations. Don’t let it happen to you!

Scripture Reading: “Lord, help me control my tongue; help me be careful about what I say” (Psalm 141:3 NCV).

Prayer: Father, I realize my tongue can have a mind of its own if I am not mindful of its every action. I pray for the ability to harness it and to prevent it from bringing harm to others as well as my situations on life; rather, using it for good and meaningful actions. I ask you, LORD, to give me wisdom to know when to talk and when to listen; what to say and when to be quiet. May my tongue be used to glorify You and You alone!…in Jesus’ name, AMEN!