301 N Loop 250 W, Midland, TX 79703

Part 4: Use Words to Build People Up

LETTERS FROM MY FUTURE SELF

PART 4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  • The words you say will make or break your life.

1.  YOUR WORDS ARE POWERFUL.

“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.” Proverbs 12:18 (NLT)

“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” Proverbs 18:21 (NLT)

“A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.” Proverbs 16:28 (NLT)

“Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool.” Proverbs 10:18 (NLT)

2.  THE BIBLE TELLS US WHAT KIND OF WORDS  WE NEED TO RECEIVE AND GIVE.

  • Your speech has to be honest.

“An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies.” Proverbs 12:17 (NLT)

“Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4 (NLT)

  • Your speech has to be gentle and kind.

“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” Proverbs 15:1 (NLT)

  • Your speech has to be wise and timely.

“The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.” Proverbs 10:32 (NLT)

“Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.” Proverbs 25:11 (NLT)

  • You need fewer words at times.

“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” Proverbs 10:19 (NIV)

“Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.” Proverbs 17:28 (NLT)

3.  HOW DO WE HEAL OUR WORDS?

“The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction. Proverbs 16:23 (NIV)

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. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. Matthew 12:34-36 (NLT)

  • What fills your heart determines how you speak.

“‘No one ever spoke the way this man does,’ the guards replied.” John 7:46 (NIV)

“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:16 (NIV)

MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS: 

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This week’s Reading Plan and blog/podcast:

  • YouVersion® Bible App Reading Plan:
    “Words Have Power” (7 days)

  • Blog and Podcast: “Slow To Speak” 

LFMFSDr. John Gerlach