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Taming the Tongue – Part 2

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21)

Words are powerful! They can reward or jeopardize your income. A prospective sale, a raise or position at work can be won or lost by the way you speak. Even the respect of employees or customers is impacted by your words. James, the brother of Jesus, said no one can tame the tongue. “It’s a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” (James 3:8-10)

Now if we’re in Christ, we’re new creations. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. Christ reconciled us to himself, made us His ambassadors and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. In all of our verbal interactions, we should be conscious of this fact. You represent the Lord wherever you go. Those who know you’re a Christian will observe your work ethic, your treatment of others, and the words you say. So think before you speak! Regardless of whether you’re in the marketplace, in a conflict with your spouse, or trying to reason with a belligerent teenager, do not return curse for curse, condemnation for condemnation. Rather, speak to others the way you want others to speak to you. I have found that when I stir the pot, it never helps resolve the problem. “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.” (Proverbs 15:28) “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

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