THE POWER OF THE TONGUE
	The Bible says a great deal about the tongue and the words of our mouths. The tongue holds the power of life and death: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]" (Proverbs 18:21). The apostle James said that if any man can control his tongue he is "a fully developed character" and can also control his entire being: "For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature" (James 3:2). The tongue is a little member of the body, but it causes tremendous problems. Relationships often end because of things that are said or not said. People lose jobs, cause strife and misunderstanding, and embarrass themselves - all with that one tiny organ, the tongue. No man can tame the tongue, so we need God's help. King David prayed that God would put a watch or a guard over his mouth: "Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips" (Psalm 141:3). He also prayed that the words of his mouth and the meditation of his heart would be acceptable in God's sight: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my [firm, impenatrable] Rock and my Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14). David knew he could not control his mouth without God's help, and neither can we. We should avoid all harsh, hard, unjust words: "Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer you; you shall cry, and He will say, Here I am. If you take away from your midst yokes of oppression [wherever you find them], the finger pointed in scorn [toward the oppressed or the godly], and every form of false, harsh, unjust, and wicked speaking" (Isaiah 58:9). Jesus said we must take His yoke upon us and learn of Him because He is gentle, meek, and humble, not harsh, hard, sharp, and pressing: "A gentle tongue [with its healing power] is a tree of life, but wilful contrariness in it breaks down the spirit" (Proverbs 15:4). Even the tone of our voice is important because it reveals the condition of our hearts! We can speak words of healing or words that wound; we can edify and build up or discourage and tear down. Words are containers for power and they carry either positive or negative power. The decision is up to us! Words are seeds that we sow and they definitely bring a harvest in our lives. Those who indulge the tongue must eat the fruit of their words, whether they are for life or death! One of the things we should strive to do is think before we speak. The Bible says that we are not to be rash with our mouths, but how many times do we say things and then think, "Oh, I wish I had not said that"? But then it is too late because the words are already doing their work... I recommend a thorough study of all these Scriptures and a sincere prayer asking for God's help to tame your tongue. [THE EVERYDAY LIFE BIBLE, Amplified Version, Joyce Meyer, Faith Words, 2006].