Have you ever thought about how significant words are to us? Think about how difficult it would be to communicate without them.

Words tell us about the past. They provide information about the history of our country and other countries. Teachers use words to teach math, science, history, reading, writing, and all the subject derivatives from these. Words communicate knowledge, feelings, and attitudes.

The words of the Bible are important for all the same reasons I have just mentioned. They are used to teach us the history of the creation of all things. They teach us the history of nations before us, the fulfillment of prophecy, the sacrifice for our souls, the commands for our salvation, and the promise of future life.

Words would seem to be the perfect form of communication and the perfect outlet for expression of thoughts and feelings. Yet, those same words that convey so much good can do so much damage.

The psalmist said, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalms 19:14 KJV). The king of Israel knew that there is a direct correlation between our words and our thoughts. The attitudes and feelings of the inner man become the outlet for every wicked and evil thought known to mankind.

James, the brother of Jesus, wrote to Christians: “Wherefore my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). I suspect that James knew that there is a reason we have two ears and only one mouth. We need to listen twice as much as we talk.

Matthew tells us: “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).

Our words will, in the day of judgment, either justify us or condemn us. Our words will either save us or send us into everlasting punishment. Our words alone can cause us to lose our souls for all eternity.

A tongue problem is really a problem with the heart. Matthew records an instance of Jesus talking to the Pharisees in chapter 12. The Pharisees appeared to be so righteous and holy, but they had a heart problem. Jesus told them, “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”

Our words can belittle, flatter, boast, speak evil, and profane. They can also teach, encourage, or give thanks. James says: “Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”

 I think we can see the importance of words in all aspects of our lives. I think we can also see that our words display the innermost thoughts of our hearts. Solomon sums it all up for us when he said, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” (Proverbs 18:21).

 Sandra Oliver