Proverbs 18:20-21
A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; From the produce of his lips he shall be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
If you knew that your physical well-being was based solely on the words that come out of your mouth, would you be more careful of what you say? Sometimes, we allow our circumstances and situations to determine our disposition. When things are good, we speak positively. When things are bad, our words can cut and kill. And sometimes our words perpetrate fraud by pretending to be someone or something that we’re not. I often wonder what we would we do if we knew that the Lord repays us proportionately for the things we have spoken out of our mouths.
The truth of the matter is, every time we speak, our mind and our heart is on display. The words we speak are capable of building up or tearing down, offering inspiration or discouragement, are reliable or deceptive. Words can fill us up or leave us starving to death. Did you notice that the scripture text says that we are satisfied from the fruit of our mouths, filled by the produce of our lips, and that both death and life are in the power of tongue? Did you notice that it said those who love it will eat its fruit? Have you noticed that the person referenced in the text has made a decision to speak positively into his life and the lives of others? But, let me be very clear, the choice of how you use your words is completely up to you! No matter how desperate the situation, the words that come out of your mouth is your choice.
Instead of saying, “It’s impossible!” repeat what Jesus said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Luke 18:27). Instead of saying, “I can’t do it!” try this, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). Instead of saying, “I don’t have enough faith?” repeat what Paul said, “I’ve given everyone a measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). Instead of ‘I’m worried and frustrated!” repeat after Peter, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). Instead of thinking, “I’m in this all by myself.” Always remember, “He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you!” (Hebrews 13:5).
If you make a commitment to letting the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart be acceptable to God, you will realize the awesome power of your word. If you make that commitment, you will soon discover that the Lord has given the words of your mouth power to make even greater commitments. He has also given you the ability to live up to those commitments. In other words, we are authorized and empowered to give and then live by our word. This makes us live with integrity. Don’t kid yourself, when we pretend we are living by our word, we are not fooling God. Paul wrote in Galatians 6:7 (NKJV), “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” He not only hears every word we speak; He also knows if we are sincere or not. When you know better, you can do better.
Now, what do you have to say?
Be Blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell
Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting, and hosts “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Soul 1 Radio, Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM. Listen here or by phone at 626-226-1448. Be sure to friend “Matters of Faith” on Facebook and email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. You can also use the email or call (718) 328-8096 to order Matters of Faith: The Book., or
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