The Power of the Tongue

Proverbs 18:21 says that "death and life are in the power of the tongue." While more notable stories
are found in John 11:43-44 (Jesus calls forth Lazarus), Mark 11:20 (withering of the fig tree) and
Mark 4:39 (Jesus rebuked the wind and spoke to the sea), the Bible is full of prophets or those who
exercise the power of the tongue. It is important that we realize the weight our words carry.
The Bible says we use our tongues to bless God yet also use it to curse men. These questions are
posed in the book of James: "does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?
Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt
water and fresh." (3:11-12) Thus, make a continuous effort to monitor what comes from our mouths.
Knowing that our spoken words have a direct impact on our lives and others, the current
7th Made Challenge is: "Watch Your Mouth"

Throughout the day take time to consider all that comes out of your mouth.
-Did you speak negativity over a situation, your life or someone else's?
-Have you used your words to encourage others or speak positively on a situation?
-Have you spoken ill words for the purpose of entertainment (gossip)?
-How does your speech change when you are angry or venting?

Lastly, replace every negative word or comment that you would have spoken with a positive statement.

Come back and let us know what you noticed about you speaking habits!

Will you continue to make an effort to speak positively?
Was it difficult to refrain from speaking everything that came to mind?

Had you ever given words any serious thought?
Were you surprised at what you noticed?

"He who guards his mouth and tongues guards his soul from troubles" - Proverbs 21:23