Do My Words Really Matter?

Why do words carry such significance?

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. (Matthew 12:36-37 ESV)

Assuming responsibility for the words I have used over my lifetime is a scary thought. Being a demonstrative, verbal person seems to condemn me already.  Solomon shares his thoughts about my communication style.

Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. (Proverbs 10:19 NLT)

Even basketball coaches have weighed in on this. John Calapari, men’s basketball coach at the University of Kentucky collects motivational phrases and one of his favorites is: “Be careful of the words you speak, make them soft and sweet. You never know from day to day which ones you’ll have to eat.”

Even the apostle Paul comments on words,

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)

Guarding my words is critical but more than I can handle. Maybe I should talk to God more frequently and less often to those around me. He has promised His Spirit to fill me and enable me. Join me in the careful stewardship of our conversations.

Sharing the journey with you,