Speak Life, Not Death

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
I know that I have blogged about this passage before, but even I need to be reminded of the power of the tongue. 

James said, James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.

Yikes!

I have watched people talk themselves out of a blessing, a good marriage, a good job, a good church, and a better life. 

I have listened as people complain about others and then wonder why they are alone. 

I have witnessed people ruin their future through the power of their words. 

I have also watched people talk themselves through the toughest times of their life. 

I have listened to people choose to encourage others who didn't really deserve it. 

I have witnessed people build a better future through the power of their words. 

No, it didn't necessarily make them more money or more powerful.  But it did reset their heart to a place where the worries of this world no longer mattered.  

Proverbs makes it clear that if you love to speak death or life you will reap of its fruits.  

So what can you do? 

Speak up - not down.  When you speak about someone, search for the good in that person.  I understand that some will cause you to look harder than others, but you can find it.  

Accompany complaints with a solution.  Don't complain just to complain.  That's called dumping your trash on someone else.  If you have a problem, bring a solution.  Can't find a solution?  Then ask someone to help you find a solution.  

You reap what you sow.  That's biblical.  So sow good words and deeds into peoples lives.  Water it with love and be careful how you care for people especially when they are fragile as a young plant. 

PRAY:  Dear Jesus, help me to speak life over myself, my family, my friends and my future.  AMEN