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 Last week we looked at the healing power of our words – that words well spoken bring joy and life.  This week we examine the opposite reality – that words carelessly or selfishly spoken bring pain and death.  Words themselves are generally neutral – their power is derived from their context, the motives behind them and the parties involved in the conversation. This morning we consider not only the importance of what we say, but also how and why we say it.

Digging Deeper

1.  Jerry talked about the power of our words.  Do you agree with Proverbs 18:21 - that words contain the power of "life and death?"  How do our words bring death?  How do they bring life? Has there ever been a time in your life when someone said something that hurt you deeply?  Why did it hurt? What were the consequences of their words in your life?  Read Proverbs 12:18. What does it compare words to?  In what ways do we (or those we know) use words like weapons? 
2. Read Matthew 12:33-37 and Matthew 23:25-28. What do these verses teach us about our words and what our words reveal about us?  Why would that be true?  Can you change your speech habits without changing your heart?  How would we go about changing our heart? (Hint: Read Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:25-27; 2 Corinthians 15:7).
3.  What does it mean in Matthew 12:36 when Jesus says we will "give an account" of the things we say?  When will that happen (Hint:  read Revelation 20:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:9-11; Matthew 12:36).  How might knowing this truth change the things we say and the way we use our words?  Prayerfully consider – is there someone you may have wounded with your words?  Do you need to go and ask their forgiveness? Are there habits of speaking that you have developed that need to be changed? Do you need to be more careful with your words?

From the book of Proverbs

18:20-21 "From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. 21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."

15:4 “The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”

12:18 “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

10:19-20 “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. 20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.”
 
26:20-22 "Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. 21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. 22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts."
16:27-28 "A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. 28 A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends."
6:16-19 "There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers."
20:19 "A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much."
10:19 "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise."