Wholesome Wednesday! "Be careful...."

Wholesome Wednesday!

Throughout life we all have heard some form of the saying "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." Moreover, as human beings we have an important organ that we use to utter our thoughts, feelings, and emotions towards one another called the tongue. The human tongue is indeed a fascinating piece of work that God created. The way in which we use our tongues and the words that come out of our mouths, can potentially help or hurt those we express ourselves towards. As a kid, I use to get a kick out of hearing grown folks curse especially my mom. My mother had a way of using foul language in a manner that was very cogent! Nonetheless, she was as convincing when it came to speaking words of wisdom. I always wondered why she'd say "Be careful of what you say" or "watch your tongue when you speak." Today, I understand why she said such things like that!

As stated above, the words we speak can potentially help or hurt someone including ourselves. When the words we speak constantly reflect a negative connotation they eventually begin to reflect our thoughts, feelings, and emotions. The same is true when our words reflect a positive connotation. Therefore, as the great motivational classic by James Allen suggested, "As a man thinketh so is he." Furthermore, as human beings we must always be mindful of how we speak and react towards one another. Because "big momma," said it best "if you can't say nothin' nice, then don't say nothin' at all."

The beauty of human interaction is, that it gives us the opportunity to express ourselves with one another in a variety ways positively or negatively. From a spiritual perspective the same holds true. From the begining of creation God has always used the power of the tongue to speak life or death into His creation. Whether it was Him speaking himself, through one of the prophets (PBUT), or through Jesus (PBUH) the tongue was the central tool of His divine communcation to all mankind. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that "The tongue has power over life and death..." Furthermore, as believers in Almighty God our duty towards one another is to always speak life.

We should always value the opportunity to communicate in a positive manner with one another. Because it is another opportunity to share God's love with your fellow man. When we express His love towards each other it manifest His glory and presence evermore. The above is extremely important in today's culture of, verbally bashing each other "at the drop of a hat." God's love is not always openly expressed today and it makes people weary and unhopeful in the world we live in. So, as I close, remember to be careful of your tongue and let God's Word shape your words! -Glory Be to God!

Scriptural & Literary Support:

“Talk no more so very proudly;Let no arrogance come from your mouth, For the LORD is the God of knowledge; And by Him actions are weighed. -1 Sam 2:3 NKJV

For your iniquity teaches your mouth, And you choose the tongue of the crafty. -Job 15:5 NKJV

Though evil is sweet in his mouth, And he hides it under his tongue, Though he spares it and does not forsake it, But still keeps it in his mouth, -Job 20:12-13 NKJV

My lips will not speak wickedness, Nor my tongue utter deceit. -Job 27:4 NKJV

His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression;Under his tongue is trouble and iniquity. -Psalm 10:7 NKJV

And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousnessAnd of Your praise all the day long. -Psalm 35:28 NKJV

Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
You love evil more than good, Lying rather than speaking righteousness. You love all devouring words, You deceitful tongue. -Psalm 52:2-4 NKJV

There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health. -Proverbs 12:18 NKJV

The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. -Proverbs 15:12 NKJV

The preparations of the heart belong to man,But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. -Proverbs 16:1 NKJV

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. -Proverbs 21:18 NKJV

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he... -Proverbs 23:7 NKJV

Jesus called the crowd to him and said, "Listen and understand. 11What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.'" -Matt 15:10-11 NIV

"Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit”; “ The poison of asps is under their lips”; -Romans 3:13 NKJV

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. —Eph. 4:29 NKJV

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. -James 1:26 NKJV

My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. -James 3:1 NKJV (Also see whole Chapter)

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. -James 3:7-8 NKJV

There is a disease in their hearts, so Allah added to their disease and they shall have a painful chastisement because they lie. -Holy Quran 2:10

Allah does not call you to account for what is vain in your oaths, but He will call you to account for what your hearts have earned, and Allah is Forgiving, Forbearing. -Holy Quran 2:225

Say: Whether you hide what is in your hearts or manifest it, Allah knows it, and He knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and Allah has power over all things. -Holy Quran 3:29

A grace from your Lord; this is the great achievement. -Holy Quran 44:58

Do not move your tongue with it to make haste with it, -Holy Quran 75:16

Lord, set a guard upon my lips, My tongue control today; Help me evaluate each thought And watch each word I say. —Hess

“The tongue like a sharp knife... Kills without drawing blood.” -Budda

“There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain” -Frank Tyger

“Whatever is in the heart will come up to the tongue” -Persian Proverb

“One reason a dog is such a lovable creature is his tail wags instead of his tongue” -Unknown