the words we use

If you are like me, there are times when I ask questions or when other people ask questions.  It is at those times when I have to answer I am not sure or I don’t know and then head off to do some research.  Some healthy research in the Bible will make a difference in our lives.

The subject before me is one I can give you lots of ideas and thoughts on, but I believe we will learn more if we simply hear what God says and apply it.  Yes, I said apply what God says.  We will find ourselves stronger, more confident, in less trouble and much wiser if we would take God at His word from His word if we apply His word to our words.  Read that last sentence again if you need to.

So, here is some study about the words we use:

James 1:19  NLT

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

Proverbs 21:23  NLT

Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.

Proverbs 12:14  NLT

Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.

Ecclesiastes 12:11  NLT

The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful.  Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep.

Ephesians 4:15  NLT

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

Ephesians 4:29  NLT

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

1 Thessalonians 5:11  NLT

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Ecclesiastes 5:5  NLT

It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it.

Proverbs 17:28  NLT

Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

Colossians 3:16  NLT

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

There are many more verses about the words we use.  I pray that God would use our words to honor Him and that our words would encourage others.  Remember that we do have two ears and one mouth.  That means listen more than and before you speak.  I have to continually learn that truth.  May the words we use honor God!

Psalm 19:14  NLT

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.

NOTE: pray for the HOPE 4 THE HOMELESS 5k that will be this Saturday (volunteers arrive at 8:30 at the Dick & Willie Trail Head in front of El Parral Mexican Restaurant; runners and walkers, please join us and register before race start at 10am).