The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.  Isaiah 50:4 

 

Your words are like nitroglycerine: they can either blow up bridges or heal hearts. You can tell more about somebody by what they say about others, than by what others say about them. Never judge a person’s horsepower by their exhaust smoke; ignorance is always eager to speak. Wisdom dictates that the best time to hold your tongue is when you feel as if you ‘just have to say something’. Some people speak from experience; others from experience don’t speak. That’s because they’ve learned better.  Jesus said that your words actually determine your destiny. Listen: 'Your words now reflect your fate then: either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned' (Matthew 12:37). Solomon said, 'Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit - you choose' (Proverbs 18:21). Try to remember that your words have the capacity for good or evil; they either hurt or heal. If there’s one place where we all need more discipline it’s in ‘the words’ department’. Isaiah says, '... God has given me a well-taught tongue, so I know how to encourage... people. He wakes me up, opens my ears to listen as one ready to take orders... God, stays right there and helps me, so I’m not disgraced' (Isaiah 50:4-7). When you don’t know what to say - say nothing! Just listen, observe and let God lead you. After all, you’re usually not learning while you’re talking. Just for today, try to refrain from all hurtful remarks and focus only on speaking words that encourage and bless others. You’ll be amazed at the results.