“Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29

Americans are gaining ground in our determination to watch what we put into our mouths. More and more people are seeing the benefits of healthy eating, cutting back on sugar, gluten-free foods, and GMO. We are steering clear of empty calories, junk food, and foods that are not helpful in building strength and wellness in our bodies.

While it’s important to watch what goes into our mouths, it’s even more important to watch carefully what comes out. We often erroneously value and exercise our right to “speak our mind,” but when our right to spout off is detrimental to another’s well-being, we must refrain. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 18:21 that, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Our words either give life to the hearer or take life away. They either fertilize and water the soil of our happiness or scorch the tender shoots of our hearts. We will be held accountable to God for the words we speak.

Father,

I ask you to stand guard over my mouth today. Help me to speak words that are helpful to others. Keep me from discouraging anyone around me with negativity. Teach me to refrain from saying everything that comes to mind. Be my filter, Father. And give me the fruit of the Holy Spirit, especially self-control. Grant me the capacity to build a new habit of consistently guarding my tongue so that I can be a blessing and not a curse to the people in my life.

Amen