“Your teeth are like a flock of newly shorn sheep which have come up from their watering place, all of which bear twins, and not one among them has lost her young.”
—Song of Songs 4:2

Reflection

The picture of clean, newly washed teeth in Song of Songs 4:2 speaks of the words that proceed from our mouths. The Bible says we should speak words that are healthy and pure, words that encourage and build up others and ourselves, words that conform to God’s Spirit and Word.

But sometimes we let bitter words come from between our teeth. We speak unnecessary criticisms and words of frustration. The Bible teaches that from the same source should not come both clear water and polluted water. Jesus wants us to get victory over this battle and have “clean teeth.”

There is something divine about the mouth. It is one of the attributes that make us like God. We are created in the image of God with the ability to communicate deeply and clearly. God spoke, and creation came into existence. We also create spiritual and physical realities by what we speak. Words are creative agents of God. They have spiritual substance. Words are the expression of thoughts, which are spiritual.

If we speak words of cursing and foulness, our whole disposition is shrouded in darkness. When we speak words of life, we feel so much better than when we find ourselves complaining and criticizing. It is pretty easy to sense when we are talking in a way that pleases the Spirit, or not. Clean talk lifts the heart and gives a sense of approval and favor. Negative or unclean talk gives a feeling of death and darkness.

When we are gossiping about people; criticizing, complaining, worrying, fearing, or cursing like the world does, we can readily sense that those things grieve the Holy Spirit. The words of our mouths direct us and others into either life or death.

James says that if we can control the words that come from our mouths, we will determine the destinies of our lives. Words are important. We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony, and we even use our mouths to confess salvation.

As you and I discipline ourselves to speak words of life and not words of fear and death, we will walk in greater fruitfulness. Song of Songs 4:2 presents a picture of abundance: “all of which bear twins.” When our words line up with God’s Word and we bring them into agreement with the Holy Spirit, we can expect an increase of fruitfulness. Jesus said, “He who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit” (John 15:5).

Application

• Pay attention to the words coming from your mouth today, especially criticism, complaining, fear, and frustration.
• Bring your words into agreement with God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, choosing to speak words of life.

Prayer

Jesus, cleanse the words that come from my mouth. Help me to speak what is healthy and pure, words that encourage, build up, and conform to Your Spirit and Your Word. Give me victory over criticism, complaining, fear, and words of frustration. Teach me to recognize quickly when my words grieve the Holy Spirit. Let the words of my mouth bring life, and lead me into greater fruitfulness as I abide in You. Amen.