By Pastor Naomi Mitchell
For Carter County Times
Growing up we heard the old saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Well, we all know that is a lie. Words are powerful and can hurt longer than a broken bone.
Have you ever wished you hadn’t said certain things? Have you said something that made you feel like you had put your foot in your mouth? Something you said really hurt someone’s feelings? Maybe you told something about someone that destroyed a good friendship? You assumed something when you didn’t know all the facts? We wished we could eat our words when this happens, but once they are out there, they can’t be taken back. Proverbs 21:23 says, “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from trouble.”
Scripture tells us a lot about our “mouth” that life and death are in the power of the tongue. We make the choice to say things we know we shouldn’t and wouldn’t want someone to say about us. Gossip is cheap and not becoming on a mature Christian or anyone for that matter.
Here are some scriptures to look up in the Bible that basically tells us what we need to pay attention to when it comes to keeping our mouth shut.
Keeping your mouth shut: In the heat of anger – Proverbs14:17. When you don’t have all the facts – Proverbs 18:13. When you haven’t verified the story – Deuteronomy 17:6. If your words will offend a weaker brother – 1 Corinthians 8:12. If your words will be a poor reflection of the Lord to your family or friends, neighbors and co-workers – 1 Peter 2:21-23. When you are tempted to make light of holy things – Ecclesiastes 9:2. When you are tempted to joke about sin – Proverbs 14:9. If you would be ashamed of your words later – Proverbs 8:8. If your words would convey a wrong impression – Proverbs 17:27. If the issue is none of your business – Proverbs 14:10. When you are tempted to tell an outright lie – Proverbs 4:24. If your words will damage someone’s reputation – Proverbs 16:27. If your words would destroy a friendship – Proverbs 16:28. When you are feeling critical – James 3:9. If you can’t speak without yelling – Proverbs 25:28. When it is time to listen – Proverbs 13:1. If you may have to eat your words later – Proverbs 18:21. If you have already said it more than one time then it becomes nagging – Proverbs 19:13. When you are tempted to flatter a wicked person – Proverbs 24:24. When you are supposed to be working instead of talking – Proverbs 14:23.
Practice and pray Psalms 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Think before you speak! Will the words you speak be acceptable to the Lord?
Amen! So be it!
JOYFUL House of Prayer, 2519 Quicksand Road, (P.O. Box 856), Jackson, Kentucky 41339. Send Comments/Prayer Requests: Pastornaomi4god@gmail.com. FB: JoyfulHoprayer. Services: 10am Sunday and Joyful Kids Class at 10:30am, 6:30pm Thursdays. Radio Broadcast: WJSN 97.3 FM & WEKG 81.0 AM Sundays 1-2pm.
