Throughout my life I have been guilty of the careless use of words. They have power to build or destroy. I am being more careful now as I get older … and wiser. Even lately, I have seen more success in this pursuit.
Jesus warns that we will be judged by every word that escapes our lips. I want to follow His example and be as careful with my words as He is with His words.
"You can be sure that on the Judgment Day you will have to give account of every useless word you have ever spoken. Your words will be used to judge you---to declare you either innocent or guilty." Mat 12:36-37
That is a fearful pronouncement. What if we have already said many things we should not have said? ... and we are bound to repeat the offense, even if we have the best of intentions. Even if our words are screened but our mind cries out in awful ways and we have never said out loud the things we have secretly harbored in our heart - we are still guilty!
Our words are the result of what goes on in our heart. What is in your heart? It will reveal itself in your words. Listen to your heart when you speak and determine to surrender it to the only one whose words are absolutely pure.
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
