“When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”
—Proverbs 10:19

If we’re not careful we can easily forget that just as God spoke the heavens and earth into existence, so too every word that comes out of our mouths is a spiritual act of creation. When we speak words of hatred, criticism, judgment, or gossip, those words do not just die; they affect both individuals and the spiritual atmosphere surrounding our lives. Likewise, when we exhort others with love, honor, affirmation, or inspiration, these words too continue to have power. Our words are not inconsequential. With the same mouth we can speak encouragement, giving life, or discouragement, causing “death.”

Jesus said in Mark 7:15, “There is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man.” We may think we are disciples of Jesus because we have some of the outer things right—we attend church; we pray; we read our Bibles. But if our words are not full of life and the Holy Spirit, then we are deceiving ourselves. It takes discipline to control our words when someone does something that frustrates, irritates, or angers us. It takes willpower to control our tongues. But remember, our words can defile and divide, or they can build up and bring life. This is a big and far-reaching reality to ponder.

Proverbs 4:23 says, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” The day is coming when each of us will stand before the throne and give an account of every word we have spoken (2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:10). If we are going to live victoriously in Jesus, we need to be mindful of the words we speak. So I encourage you today, beloved one, submit your tongue to God and guard your heart and your words.

Father God, I repent right now for every word I have spoken carelessly, for every time I spoke death instead of life. I am sorry for those times when my words were filled with judgment, accusation, and spite. Please forgive me. I cannot take back what I have said, but I declare that from this day forward, I will submit my tongue to You. By Your grace and Your Spirit, Father, help me to guard my heart and my words. I will use my mouth to speak life and glorify You, in Yeshua’s name.

Rabbi Kirt A. Schneider, Rivers of Divine Truth (Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House, 2021), Used by permission.