James 1:26

If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.

Words Shape and Form Life

James 3:3-4

We can control very large horses by putting a small bit into their mouths. By controlling their mouth, we can turn the whole animal whatever direction we want it to go. Or take ships as an example. A tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong.

Proverbs 12:18

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 16:24

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Numbers 14:23-24

“…not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their ancestors. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it. But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.”

I listen to and speak words that are life giving.

Words Can Destroy

James 3:5-6

Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

Proverbs 10:19 (NIV)

Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.

Proverbs 10:19 (NLT)

Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. 

Ephesians 4:29

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

I listen to and speak words that are life giving.

I will use my words to build up not tear down.

Words Always Reveal Heart

James 3:9-12

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. 

Numbers 14:24

But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.

Matthew 12:34

You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.

Allow God to change my heart and my words will follow

Hebrews 8:10-12

 “This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” 

I listen to and speak words that are life giving.

I will use my words to build up not tear down.

I will guard what I allow in my heart.

Proverbs 4:23

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. 

Decide to Speak Words of Life

Words of Affection.

At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17

Words of Praise.

A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11

Words of Encouragement.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13

Words of Healing.

The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life… Proverbs 15:4

Words of Faith.

(Abraham) is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were. Romans 4:17