Words, Words, Words!
Did you know that words create entire worlds?
Words create spiritual worlds that can either exalt you or destroy you.
In fact, words are a matter of life and death, according to the Bible.
Being mindful of your words each day and thinking carefully before speaking is an important part of cultivating a life of peace and harmony within yourself and around you.
Consider how others have affected you with their words either positively or negatively and this will give you a glimpse of how you affect others with the words you speak to them.
Have you ever noticed that after two people argue sharply, there seems to be a ‘cloud’ hanging in the air afterwards? This is the impact of negativity and it is clearly palpable by all involved.
This attests to the fact that by your words you create your own ‘environment’ and that ‘environment’ follows you wherever you go: either for good or for ill.
If you want to build a life of peace for yourself strive to speak only words that are helpful, encouraging, respectful and constructive.
This requires discipline but the reward far outweighs the effort.
One way to practice this discipline is to envision yourself as a silent witness to yourself. As you speak to someone, let your silent witness be aware of the words you are speaking and ask yourself: Are these words helpful and constructive to the person I am speaking or not? If not, consider the effect of your words are having upon that person and pretend that person is you. Similarly, if you find yourself gossiping about someone, think about the damage you are doing to that person as if you are doing that damage to yourself. You will most likely stop speaking. In a situation when you are angry, it is best to keep silent until you regain your composure and you are able to think before you speak.
Keep in mind that your words and the words of others around you create either worlds of light or worlds of darkness.
If you ardently seek peace and harmony within your life, manage your words diligently so that only worlds of light surround you.
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The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
(Proverbs 18:21)
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He who guards his lips guards his life,
but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.
(Proverbs 13:3)
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From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled;
With the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.
(Proverbs 18:20)
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But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
(Matthew 12:36-37)
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A man of knowledge uses words with restraint,
and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
(Proverbs 17:27)
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The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
(Proverbs 10:11)
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Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
but a rod is for the back of one who has lacks judgment.
(Proverbs 10:13)
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The wise store up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
(Proverbs 10:14)
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A fool’s talk brings a rod to his back,
but the lips of the wise protect them.
(Proverbs 14:3)
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Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
(Proverbs 12:18)
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A false witness will not go unpunished,
and he who pours out lies will not go free.
(Proverbs 19:5)
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When words are many, sin is not absent,
but he who holds his tongue is wise.
(Proverbs 10:19)
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The lips of the righteous nourish many,
but fools die for lack of judgment.
(Proverbs 10:21)
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The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
(Proverbs 10:31)
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From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things,
as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.
(Proverbs 12:14)
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Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue.
(Proverbs 17:28)
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