Positive Living: Watch That Tongue!

“Watch that tongue!” Have you ever been told those words at any point in your life? Can you recall the reason why? Have you ever told those words to anyone? Can you recall why you did? Well, many of us were either told to watch our tongue, or have said those words before, at some point in our lives, either to our children, grandchildren, colleagues, friends, neighbours or simply passers-by.

You see, the tongue can be a deadly weapon. It is one of the smallest members of the body but it is said to be extremely powerful either for good or evil. The Bible has much to say about it than any of the other members of the body. There are many Bible references that warn us of the destructive nature of the tongue and how to guard against it.
Its ammunition is the words we speak. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 18:21 that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” The book of James also enlightens us by likening the tongue unto many things: “a fire, a world of iniquity, and a deadly poison.” Our words are so powerful that they can bless or curse, encourage or discourage, hurt or heal, tear down or build up. Our words can even influence the way we act and feel as well as determine our attitude and outlook on life.
The words of our mouth have control over our lives, whether we like it or not, or whether we believe it or not. What comes out of our mouth will determine our future. As a rudder controls the direction of a ship, our tongues control the direction of our lives. Therefore, it is our privilege and responsibility to be good stewards not only over the earth but over our own mouth, as well and to speak forth positive life-giving words in a world immersed in negativity.

It is often said, if you really want to know a person, listen to words he or she speaks. The tongue will reflect the person’s true character. Much can be said of a person’s character by the way he or she uses his or her tongue. His or her words will reveal the real person he or she is, as the words he or she speaks come from his or her heart. The Bible tells us this in Proverbs 23:7 when it said, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he”. Another writer puts it this way, “Speech is the index of the mind.”

Written or spoken, words are continuously propelling us through life. They lift us up, drag us down, wound us deeply or heal our hearts. Words have the power to break confidences, build life-long alliances or start conflicts. Words can make or break us, both as individuals and as a society as well. Hence, it is important for us to be mindful of our speech on a daily basis. How have you been helping in the home, the school, the workplace, the church, and the society lately? What have you been saying? Has your tongue been used in a productive or destructive way?
Are you causing the destruction of your self-esteem, your colleagues’ self-esteem, your children’s self-esteem or your family’s self-esteem by speaking ill-suited words? Are your words filled with harshness, criticism, bitterness, and judgment? Are they designed to slander, ridicule, belittle, breakdown or destroy persons’ reputation, character, self-confidence or hinder persons’ progress, personal growth or development?
You see, the words we speak can have a profound effect on the people they reach. We are quick to avoid murder, stealing, and other forms of evil, but we so often find it easy to assassinate others and leave destruction in our wake by the way we use our tongue. Oftentimes, our words are used like sharp daggers to stab others. Many of us usually devastate others by repeatedly using blasts of venom to wipe out others or by slicing, dicing, and chopping people to shreds with our tongue instead of using it to bless, encourage and build others up.

You see, the tongue remains hidden for the most part, but when it does make its presence known, it has devastating power. Why is it so hard for us to edify and say kind things with our tongues? The tongue can be used in a positive way. It can speak words to inspire others to greatness. Words enable us to share our deepest feelings with one another. Words can change us as individuals. When used with care, they can change the world around us.

You see, the tongue is powerful! It can do exactly what you want it to do. The tongue can express or repress; release or restrain; enlighten or obscure; adore or abhor; offend or befriend; affirm or alienate; build or belittle; comfort or criticize; delight or destroy; be sincere or sinister. You have the power to choose what you want it to do. Why not choose to use your words to encourage and uplift? Choose them with wisdom and love.

Determine within yourself from today onward, that you will speak only positive and hopeful things about your job, your children, your spouse/partner, your co-workers, your family, your health, your future, about just anything and everything that affects your life. It may be difficult at first, but you will see what type of results you get. You will be amazed of how wonderful you feel and the positive effects it will have on your life. It is always good if you have nothing good to say to keep your mouth shut. My grandmother (deceased, may she rest in peace) once advised me many, many years ago, with these words sung to a very popular tune, that I wish to share with you: “If you can’t say a word -just smile. If you can’t say a word – just smile. If you can’t say a word just – S. M .I. L. E.! If you can’t say a word – Just smile.” Proverbs 21:23 also instructs us with some sound words of wisdom. It says, “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from trouble.” Those are words of wisdom we can all learn from. Don’t you think so?

Here is a poem that speaks to “The Power of Words,” written by Lew Duffey, that may inspire you:

Have you never noticed the sadness in some one’s eyes?
Or the look of bliss and/or wondrous surprise
Over a statement which you spontaneously have said
Your words can bring great joy or the deepest of dread
To someone who truly loves you most of all
And those words can cause them to slip and fall
Into a melancholy mood that is unhappy and filled with dread.
Or can they can lift them up to float with the Angels in Heaven instead.

Have you never been hurt by the words of another?
Something said by a loved one like your sister or brother?
If his words can sting you when he says them to you
Do you not think your words can leave scars on him too?
True Love is generous and kind and good
When guided by love your words make love understood
And provoke love in return and drive sadness away
This is why we should search our hearts for the right things to say.

Don’t yell out in anger or return hurt for pain.
If your brother speaks in anger love God and refrain
From words of revenge that can only return
To more words of hatred and more hurt that can burn
Your heart and your soul and make you forget all the love
That Jesus died for when he hung on the cross above
Beneath him the crowds who yelled angry thoughts and curses.
Instead you should dwell on Gods psalms and his verses.

Be happy my friend and chose your words well
For anger is what feeds the fires that have created hell
Love is the answer to all that we do
So speak out with love and God will bless you.