The Bible has a lot to say about the way we speak and often warns us to be careful with the words we use:

 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”  (Proverbs 18: 21) “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

 

Tongues can be the end of friendships, careers, marriages, reputations and even life. Tongues can also reconcile people and make peace. Tongues can reunite marriages, families, friends and even countries. Sometimes biting one's tongue and reaching  for peace is to be commended. In Matthew 5:9 Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Each day we must ask ourselves what is filling our heart?  For Jesus also said, “Out of the abundance of the heart [the mouth]  speaks” (Luke 6:45). We all know that an ungrateful heart breeds grumbling, a self-righteous heart produces judgement, and a bitter heart brings about meanness. None of which represents the life of Jesus. Instead let’s fill our hearts with “…joy, peace,  forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5: 22-23).