- Joined
- Oct 26, 2007
- Messages
- 12,539
And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! James 3:10 NLT
You probably don’t have to go too far back to remember the last time you talked about another person. Other people are a big part of your daily life, and talking about others is unavoidable. Where many run into trouble, however, is when they carelessly speak words that hurt another person’s reputation or when they say harsh things directly to his face.
Men tend to think of speaking spiteful words as one of those “little sins.” But God takes your words very seriously, and He wants you to avoid speaking negatively about others—even when what you have to say is true. That is why the apostle Paul wrote, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29 NKJV).
So think before you speak. If the words you’re thinking build up another person, speak them freely. But if they hurt that person’s good name, then keep your thoughts to yourself. Instead, find something good to think and say.
Prayer: Father, in and of myself, I’m prone to speaking unkind, even harsh, words to and about others. Please renew my mind daily. I want my words toward others to be uplifting and kind, not critical and spiteful.
You probably don’t have to go too far back to remember the last time you talked about another person. Other people are a big part of your daily life, and talking about others is unavoidable. Where many run into trouble, however, is when they carelessly speak words that hurt another person’s reputation or when they say harsh things directly to his face.
Men tend to think of speaking spiteful words as one of those “little sins.” But God takes your words very seriously, and He wants you to avoid speaking negatively about others—even when what you have to say is true. That is why the apostle Paul wrote, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29 NKJV).
So think before you speak. If the words you’re thinking build up another person, speak them freely. But if they hurt that person’s good name, then keep your thoughts to yourself. Instead, find something good to think and say.
Prayer: Father, in and of myself, I’m prone to speaking unkind, even harsh, words to and about others. Please renew my mind daily. I want my words toward others to be uplifting and kind, not critical and spiteful.
