Words

How can I exercise control over my words?

God’s Response

Take control of what I say, O LORD, and keep my lips sealed. Psalm 141:3

I tell you . . . that you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. Matthew 12:36

If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. James 1:26

Exercising self-control over your words includes both what you shouldn’t say and what you should say. For example, you shouldn’t use profanity, complain, lie, or gossip. But you should speak up when you see injustice, you should encourage those who are down, and you should praise God every day. What comes out of your mouth most often? Ask a friend to make a mental list of your positive and negative words. If you really want to stop the negative words, ask yourself before you speak, “Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?”

God’s Promise

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29