Chatter Matters
Do you like to talk? Do you, like me, have the “gift of gab”? If so, consider this verse from Proverbs 18:21(a) KJV very seriously, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue”. Our words have the power to kill or to give life. Yikes!
The Bible says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Proverbs 25:11 KJV. How often have you been comforted or encouraged by someone when you needed it most? Have you experienced the sweetness of kind words when you tried and failed time and time again and were given some life-giving words of encouragement? “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” Proverbs says in chapter 16:24 KJV.
On the flip side, have you been the subject of gossip or backbiting? How did that feel? If you’re like most people, it hurt very deeply. Rather than giving pep (life) to get up and go, gossip and backbiting deflates and brings forth thoughts of defeat and discouragement (death). Gossip and backbiting are serious sins. Look at Proverbs 11:9 KJV, “An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.” There is a warning in II Timothy 2:16 KJV, “But shun profane and vain babblings; for they will increase unto more ungodliness.”
Perhaps, you have engaged in ungodly behavior, such as gossip and/or backbiting. It started as a prayer request but turned into ungodly conversation. The Bible says in Proverbs 14:15 KJV, “the simple believeth every word; but the prudent man looketh well to his going.” Remember, it is not prudent to believe everything you hear. Proverbs 17:27 in the Holy King James Bible says, “He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.” Sometimes, it’s best not to speak at all. When you must, be sure to speak life-giving words and not words of death.
What we choose to chatter matters, for the Bible admonishes us in James 3:2-3 KJV, “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If an man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.” May God help us to choose our words wisely!
