You Say

Recently I heard someone say that your tongue is a rudder that determines the direction of the ship you’re sailing in. In essence, what you constantly say or repeat will often influence the direction you’ll be steered in through out life. Scriptures speak about the power of the tongue :

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.” [Proverbs 18:21]

Some years ago, a friend of mine would often comment that her memory was bad. In fact she would frequently forget things or conversations- no denying that. This wasn’t necessarily because she had a problem with remembering things, I think she was quite tired most of the time and probably needed rest. That was my observation. A number of times I would encourage her to stop repeating those words. Needless to say somewhere in her late 60s she developed some form of cognitive disorder. I often wondered how different it might have been had she changed the narrative and modified her lifestyle.

This is not merely positive thinking or denying reality – there is power in the spoken words. If we keep repeating it long enough, we’ll start to believe it. When we allow certain voices to dominate our space , we start embracing the lies or truths they speak. Words can be destructive or healing. As an educator, I have come to understand the responsibility given to me to use my words wisely. God has entrusted me with the task to speak truth in love and to speak life to those who come within the hearing of my voice. What I say matters.

What I say about others matter. Equally important are the words I speak over and about myself. I am well aware of the struggle some of us have dealing with the residual effects unhealthy parenting, abusive relationships, along with the many damaging voices we encounter at school or work. For some it has been a fight to rid the mind of the toxicity that continues to cripple and twist our belief system.

To win this battle, I found it takes being intentional with our thought patterns. My standard of truth has long been what God says. I’ve learned how to measure the words swirling around my head with God’s truth. It’s never easy but it certainly gets better with practice.

Today I choose to tame my tongue to speak that which brings life. I choose to agree with what the One who loves me best says about me and you. And so I speak accordingly. Here are some truths to live by:

“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. ” Proverbs 12:18 NIV

“Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 NIV

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:24

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

***Thanks for stopping by – Note: ‘The tongue of the wise brings healing.’