Your words can defy you and speak death to your body, relationships and life or your words will divinely justify, rectify and increase your life–both in fruitful living and length of days.

If there is one thing I would instill in My children, it would be to understand the power of the tongue.

The root of evil is unleashed through the tongue.

Without thought, man opens the mouth and speaks words that hurt, maim, kill an opportunity–slam an open door; too often crippling a tender heart for life, the one who received, while the bearer walked away relieved. “There, got that off my chest!” he thinks to himself. Satisfied, he justifies his actions. But in condemning another, he condemns himself; a double death from a spirit of strife.

A spoken word should bring life.

“Hold your tongue,” parents say, when teaching their child the way.

Yes, get a hold of your tongue, bridle it, and you will see,

Better days!

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for any honest work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all men.” Titus 3:1-3

“For we all make many mistakes, and if any one makes no mistakes in what he says he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also. If we put bits into the mouths of horses that they may obey us, we guide their whole bodies.” James 3:2-3

“So the tongue is a little member and boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire!” James 3:5

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” Proverbs 15:1-4

“Do not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing. For ‘He that would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile; let him turn away from evil and do right; let him seek peace and pursue it.'” I Peter 3:9-11

“Therefore you have no excuse, O man, whoever you are, when you judge another; for in passing judgment upon him you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things.” Romans 2:1

“I tell you, on the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37

“He who keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” Proverbs 21:23

“He who pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor.” Proverbs 21:21