God Cares About Our Words

What we say is important to God.

The words we share in conversation, the whispers we mumble under our breath, and yes, even those unspoken thoughts. His Word, has a lot to say about our words. Take these scriptures for example:

"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." James 1:26

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19

"He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin." Proverbs 13:3

"He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit." Proverbs 7:27

"...to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men." Titus 3:2

Pretty raw, right? God knows how much power there is within our words. Heck, He spoke the world into existence. If we could truly deal with this issue of holding our tongue and finally overcome (by his grace) the wrong thought patterns that dictate what we say, can you imagine how much more our lives would be full of peace? Imagine- your home a well overflowing with encouragement. Proverbs 7:27 says a (wo)man of knowledge chooses her words wisely and is of a "calm" spirit.

This is completely opposite of what our culture teaches, isn't it? By nature we are slow to listen, quick to speak and quick to be angry! We have freedom of speech. We're encouraged to say what we feel, it's self expression... "and if I'm angry, I'm going to let the whole world know."

But have you ever met a man or women of wisdom like the one Proverbs talks about? These people often have a quiet strength about them. They are full of wisdom and authority. They lead and influence the people around them not by raising their voice or demanding that others listen to them. They don't have to. Their very presence demands a second glance because there is an aura of peace that surrounds them. And that peaces comes from a life, a mouth, a heart humble and submitted before God. They don't have to defend themselves, because God does. They don't have to make there presence or opinion known, because they know that God will give them the perfect opportunity to speak. And when they do open their mouths, their words are flaming with purpose and passion.

I want to be like that. Don't you? So where do we start?


Women are talkative by nature and I don't think God has anything against that. He made us that way! What I think He's getting at is the heart of the issue. The root of where our words are stemming from. If the motivation of what we're about to say is stemming from selfishness, greed, anger, manipulation, etc. we need to hold that tongue. If it's anything that would not glorify God we need to take some time to realign our hearts with His. If Jesus were sitting directly across from you, would you say what you so desperately want to in the heat of the moment?

This is one of those things where it's easier said than done. But I think it's a day by day process. Daily, as we submit our hearts and wills to Christ, as we offer up ourselves to be used for him and his glory, dwelling on all that he did to show us how much he loves us... I think we will find it easier to refrain from "foolish talk." After all, holding our tongue is small price to pay in the light of the suffering Jesus went through to make us holy, right? Plus, he has given us the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us on a daily basis if we choose to let Him. Key word "choose."

Dwell on God's amazing love for you, his passion to see you made whole and walking in freedom. Strive to live a life that brings glory to Him. Don't hold back the encouragement you have for your husband, your children or your friends. Don't hesitate to lavish the love of God on them. When you feel the Holy Spirit nudging you to share, do so. But in those times of weakness remember, your words are powerful, so choose them wisely. God cares.