Do My Words Really Matter?

Why do words carry such significance?

I tell you, on the day of judgement people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words will you be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. Matthew 12:26-27 ESV

Assuming responsibility for the words I have used in my lifetime is a scary thought. Being a demonstrative, verbal person seems to condemn me alreayd. 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. One of his favorites is: "Be careful o 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 more often to God and less frequently to those around me. He has promised that His Spirit will fill and enable me.

Will you join me this week in the careful stewardship of our conversations?

Sharing the journey with you,