As I open my eyes to see the wonderful morning light, I kneel down in prayer when suddenly I heard my neighbor scolding her daughter with words I’m not used to hear. Filthy words coming from her mouth, words that a mother must not say to a child. Words like “You are fool! You better go to hell…Blah...blah...!” Harsh, isn’t it? Yes, maybe the mother has her reasons of why she said these. But, can it really help her in correcting the child’s mistake? Is it a right way of disciplining a child? Maybe something’s going wrong, right?
Words have powers like tongues. There are words that heal like medicine. But some may also break us into pieces. Comforting words can make us feel better especially when we experience total vacuum. Likewise, words of thanks or words of appreciation can boost up one’s morale. But, how about those words bringing curse? Is it okay? Can we consider the words that I have heard from the mother a curse to her daughter? Remember, words can either bless us or lead us to total disgrace. It may also bring us to unexpected future. Now think of it.
Many of today’s young people don’t care much on the kind of words they speak. Some may find it useful in creating jokes and funny atmosphere especially when someone listens or someone watches them. Even if it’s not funny anymore they continue to speak and speak and speak up to the point of hurting each other with empty words they loved to use. Others considered it normal and part of their daily lives but neglecting the fact that these words affect them. As long as they can say the words coming from the inside of them, they are contented. Careless enough in uttering different words everyday without even thinking that these words may bring one’s death.
Our tongue determines what we are. With it we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Perhaps, as the scripture says in Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue. And those who love it will eat its fruit.” Now, you see the fruit of the tongue? Have seen its power? Have you realized that though in its size, it can destroy our whole life? Think it all over again. Just like a little tiny bit that has tremendous power when used properly. It can control a horse, preventing it from trampling things and harnessing its power for productive work. In the same way, a little rudder is what enables us to harness the power of the wind for direction and travel. James
Our tongue can be used for praising, blessing, preaching, healing, and telling the truth, but it would also be a tool for cursing, lying, gossiping, hurting, or killing people. It can use for slander, or for telling falsely against anyone. What else could it bring? Name it. Our words describe our inside. If we are happy, then our words will automatically determine express the feeling of being happy. But if our heart is full of hatred, then probably our words will also harsh reflecting the inside feeling. For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. That’s why we should have the power over our tongue. Think before saying any words. Try to ask yourself first. Is it needful? Is it right? Is it true? Is it good?
Let us be righteous enough with our words, “For the mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom but a perverse tongue will be cut out.” The tongue that brings healing is a tree of but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Our answers should be gentle not harsh. Not acting as fools, for fools will harvest the fruit of foolishness. Let us become wise in life, in love, in faith, in purity, and in WORDS. “For by our words we will be acquitted, and by our words we will be condemned."
God bless our tongue!
