Words

I am rereading James 1 as I work on breaking in a new Bible. As I was going through and making notes by some of my favorite passages, I came across a good verse. James 1:26 really hit home today as I heard many unrighteous words at work this morning. It says, "If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless." This verse tells us that our heart is often revealed by what we say. Controlled and proper speech reveal purity of heart while uncontrolled and crude language defilement. If this is true (and I believe it is) then what are the hearts of many who claim to be Christian really like?

A couple of other thoughts
We see in many other parts of Scripture that words really matter. Words can bring both death and life, cursing and blessing, and can edify or tear down believers. In Matthew 12:36 Jesus tells us that we will have to give an account for EVERY careless word we speak. For those who speak a lot that is a lot of words for which you'll have to give an account.

We should never take words that are spoken or written lightly. They can have a devastating effect both in this world and for eternity. God is just in judging all of us because we all fail in our use of words (Romans 3:4). Everyone fails with words on probably a daily basis. Every careless word could bring judgment--not just curse words or blasphemous words, but any careless word that brings shame to Christ or his people.

We need to be careful with our words and remember that we will someday have to give an account for them. James 3 tells us that the evil we speak will not only effect us but others we come into contact with. Let us, as those who have been purified by the blood of Christ, use our words to bless, build up, and edify others rather than tear them down.