Watch Your Words

Words are very powerful things. The ancient Hebrews felt that once a word was spoken, it took on a life of its own. It was impossible to take back something once it was spoken. As a matter of fact, the Hebrew word DABAR can be translated "a word, a matter, or a thing." Notice that DABAR implies that a "word" is just as real as an actual "thing."

We can still learn something from the ancients. It has been said many times, but it bears repeating -- We must think before we speak!

1) What we say reveals what is in our hearts (Matthew 15:18-19).
2) It affects innocent people (Matthew 14:7-8). Herod's promise cost John the Baptist his head.
3) It may cause us to reveal our ignorance by not thinking through what we are about to say (Psalm 29:20).
4) It may cause us to stand in opposition to God (Ecclesiastes 5:2).
5) It is impossible to call back words spoken in the "heat of the moment." Even if we repent and ask forgiveness, the words are out there and the damage has been done (James 3:5-7).

All of us will continually stuggle with the tongue (James 3:8-9). Of course, this is not a justification to say absolutely anything that pops into one's head (James 3:10-12). It is a command to "think before we speak."

"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" (James 1:19).