The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. Proverbs 10:21 (NLT)
Matthew 12 tells us a tree is identified by its fruit. In the same way, what is in our hearts and minds determines what we say. If we fill them with rubbish, rubbish will come out of our mouths. But if we are filled with the Holy Spirit and God’s Word, our speech will more likely be pleasing to Him and those around us.
This begs the question: do my lips speak love or hate? Does my mouth spew rubbish or godly wisdom? Is my speech encouraging my family and others, or does it tear them down? The answer to those questions lies in the content of our hearts and minds. Joyce Meyer states, “Words are containers for power; you choose what kind of power they carry.”
Today, as you go about your various tasks, ask God to remind you to speak words of encouragement to those around you. It may change your whole day – and theirs as well!
Prayer: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord. Place a guard over my lips so that my words build up rather than tear down. May I speak life rather than death. May I speak hope rather than despair. In Your name we pray, Amen.