The reservoir of a good heart produces
encouraging words. The abundance of an evil heart generates evil results (Luke
6:45). Our words are the product of how we think, what we feel and our beliefs
(Matthew 12:33-35).
Rash or too much talk can lead to sin
(Proverbs 13:3); therefore, it is sensible to keep a guard over our words
(Proverbs 10:19). To bridle our tongue is a talent that only the perfect person
masters, but it would help us to control our whole body (James 3:1-2).
Lies and negative thoughts are like a
skein of matted thread, so tangled that they are impossible to unravel. They
weave confusion and cause us to miss God's best for us.
When we believe Satan's lies, complain or
focus on the negative aspects of life, we miss the hand of God bringing
blessings from the midst of all our trials (Romans 8:28).
Disparaging thoughts come from a
troubled heart and never help us to prosper. They lead to negative words and
actions, which cause trouble in so many ways (Proverbs 17:20).
Before we speak, a good rule is to pray
first in order to speak the words, which God gives us to say and which will bring
glory to Him (1 Peter 4:11). Wholesome, positive, uplifting words.
This is hard to do, especially in any
moment of controversy. We are either exonerated or ruined by what we say and do
(Matthew 12:37). Praying first gives us the needed boundaries.
Our thoughts affect our beliefs, our
emotions and our attitude. We reap the consequences of our words, and they
affect our relationships and even our health (Proverbs 8:21).
Therefore, we reap a blessing if we choose
to think only about those things, which are true, honorable, right, pure,
lovely and admirable (Philippians 4:8).
Prayer:
Father God, help us to submit to Your
Spirit as You transform our mind, so that we may prove what Your good,
acceptable and perfect will is for our life (Romans 12:2). Only a fool keeps on
talking (Ecclesiastes 5:3), and an evil man is trapped by his sinful talk. Help
us to live a righteous life in our thoughts, words and deed, so that we may
escape trouble (Proverbs 12:13).
Thought for the Day:
Let us conduct ourselves in a manner
that is worthy of the gospel of Christ, and to live with each other in one mind
and spirit rather than in arguing. - Philippians 1:27
