Words of Mass Destruction

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

Have you ever said something that, as soon as it left your mouth, you regretted? Or how about this one, have you ever posted something on FaceBook or Twitter that you wished you could take back? Especially if the words were harsh, or bitter, or exaggerated, or gossipy - in other words, words that tear down. 

The former NFL football player and coach, Herm Edwards, gave this advice to his rookies, “Don’t press send.” He went on to tell them that if, in a moment of heightened emotion, they feel like tweeting something, or posting something inappropriate, mean, stupid, or controversial, just take a deep breath, pause for a few seconds and “don’t press send.”

That is great advice right there! And, yes, it also goes for the words that come out of the hole underneath your nose. Coach Edward’s advice echoes the words of Solomon. It’s good to restrain the tongue because it greatly reduces the chance of sinning.

Before speaking, LISTEN. There must be some blocking mechanism between the tongue and ears because when you are talking, it’s impossible to listen. And when you do open your ears to listen to God and to the real needs of others, then your words will be valuable; your conversation will be full of grace.

Watch what you say and what you type. You don’t want to be sinning with your moving lips and typing fingers. Let your words be life-giving words—words that are food for thought and food for the soul; words that build up, not tear down.

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment. Proverbs 10:19-21