TH

E POWER OF SPEECH

Controlling our speech is one of the hardest things to do: like taming a wild animal.

How can a believer avoid angry outbursts that could lead to embarrassment, conflict and regret?

King David – a man after God’s own heart prayed:

He wrote “Your reward depends on what you say and what you do; you will get what you desire” (Pro 12:14) GNB.

And king Solomon declared in Prov 16:24) that “Death & life are in the power of our words”.

What kind of words lead to death?

Lies

We lie so we won’t hurt someone’s feelings, to protect ourselves, to get ahead or to make others like us better.

GossipProverbs 26:20Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.

The heart of gossip is to speak ill of someone behind his or her back. And the motive is always diminish them in the eyes.

Jesus Christ cautions in Matt 12:36

“every idle word that men speak they shall give account thereof in the day of Judgement.

He further warned, “by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

1 Cor 15:22” Evil communication corrupt good manners”.

Apostle James says, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, set the whole course of his life on fire and is itself on fire of hell (James 3:6).

Satan uses the tongue to divide people and pit them against one another

Numbers 12: 1-10 is an example of the sin of murmuring/complaining.

In questioning Moses’ authority & God’s will, Miriam & Aaron were acting like the people of Israel – full of complaining, full of murmuring and full of unbelief.

The following verses read, And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them and He (GOD) departed – the Cloud (the glory, presence of God) departed. Miriam was struck with leprosy and the congregation stood still (stagnant) for 7 days whilst she was isolated from the camp as an unclean person. Aaron pleaded with Moses and interceded for Miriam and God healed and restored her.

God is a forgiving and restoring God.

1 Chron 16:22

“Touch not My anointed and do My servant no harm”

Ephesians 5:27 He will present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

Eph 4:29 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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God with whom you are sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you”.

“Unwholesome talk” – the Greek word for “unwholesome” means “rotten, useless or unprofitable”. Unwholesome talk or rotten speech will not nourish anyone but will make others and you sick

James 1:19 “…. my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath”

We will have victory over unwholesome talk when we learn to speak the language of the new creation everyday with Jesus. Begin to speak the Word of God.

Rom 10:17 “Faith comes by hearing, hearing the Word of God”.

Phil 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength.” God’s grace will sustain us no matter where He leads us – even when we lack material things.

2 Tim 1:7 “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” God gives us a calm and well-balanced mind, discipline and self-control

Isaiah 54:17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue which rises against you in judgment, you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the LORD.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Eph 3:20 “… Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us”

1. Meditate on God’s word and learn to confess His promises over your family, your job, your studies, your health, and over every relationship or circumstance in your life.

2. Never be negative.

James 3:2

For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

Like David, let us make a commitment as he did in Psalm 35:28 And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness and of Your praise all the day long.

Col 4:6 instructs us “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” Salt is a good metaphor for Christian conversation and behaviour. As salt adds good taste to food, what believers say have should have a positive impact on others.