The Power of Life and Death
“The one who guards his mouth protects his life, the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.” Proverbs 13:3 CSB
Hey friend!
Did you know that you hold the power of life and death? Sounds crazy, right? As crazy as it sounds, it’s true. I possess that power as well. However, let’s be clear for a second. I’m not talking about the same power God has over our lives as He brings us into and out of this world. We just simply don’t possess THAT power. Only God does.
But we do hold the power of life and death through the words we speak. And if we aren’t careful, the words that roll off our tongues can shatter the most precious of relationships.
Proverbs 13:3 says, “The one who guards his mouth protects his life, the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.”
Dear friend, how do we guard our mouths?
We do so by putting James 1:19 into daily practice. James 1:19 tells us, “My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”
God gifted us with two ears and one mouth for a specific reason. I’m satisfied He wants us to listen more than we speak. And when we do speak, our words should be sifted through the filter of the Holy Spirit as our guard. It is truly the only way we can harness this power for life, not death.
I love how our amazing God instructs us. He didn’t just give James 1:19 without explaining why it is so important to listen more than we speak.
James 1:20 says, “for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.”
We were created for God’s purpose and when we throw our words around carelessly, we aren’t accomplishing the most important thing that we were created for.
Dear God,
I have always struggled with listening more than I speak. Forgive me for the times my words haven’t brought you glory. Holy Spirit, please put a guard over my mouth when needed so that I can speak life and not death into my relationships and circumstances. Thank you for leading me and guiding me – help me to always look to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.