Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today, we gather to reflect on the profound wisdom contained in Proverbs 18:20-21 and Matthew 12:36. These verses remind us of the incredible power our words hold and the responsibility that comes with them. As we delve into these scriptures, let us first look to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who exemplified the perfect use of words throughout His ministry.
Jesus: The Master of Words
When we turn to the Gospels, we find that much of Jesus' life is captured in His conversations—conversations with His disciples, with the Pharisees, with the multitudes. Every word He spoke was laden with purpose, wisdom, and love. Jesus was always careful with His words. He knew that His speech carried power, that His words could heal, comfort, challenge, and transform lives.
Consider the interactions between Jesus and His disciples. His words were often gentle yet profoundly instructive. To Peter, He said, "Come, follow me," calling him from a life of fishing to a life of ministry. When He spoke to the woman at the well, He offered her living water, revealing to her the truth of worship in spirit and in truth. In His dialogues with the Pharisees, He spoke with authority, exposing hypocrisy and leading them to the truth.
The Fruit of Our Mouths: Proverbs 18:20-21
Proverbs 18:20-21 tells us, "A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." These verses highlight the duality of our speech—it can nourish or destroy, build up or tear down.
Jesus, in His perfect wisdom, understood this. He knew that His words would bring life and hope to those who heard them. When He spoke, He spoke with a purpose that transcends time, leaving us a legacy of truth and grace. His words are not just historical accounts; they are living words that continue to work miracles in our lives today.
These verses emphasize that our words have the power to produce outcomes in our lives. Just as Jesus’ words brought healing, peace, and truth, our words too can build up or tear down, bring life or cause harm. When we speak words of encouragement, love, and wisdom, we produce positive "fruit" that nourishes and satisfies not only ourselves but those around us. Conversely, words of anger, deceit, or carelessness can lead to destruction and sorrow.
Every Idle Word: Matthew 12:36
Matthew 12:36 warns us, "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." This statement is a sobering reminder of the weight of our speech. Every careless word, every moment of thoughtlessness in our conversations, will be accounted for. This verses underscores the seriousness with which God views our speech. It shouldn't instill fear, but to inspire us to be more mindful of the words we choose to speak. This thought should humble us and make us vigilant in our speech.
Jesus’ words were always purposeful and aligned with the will of God. When He spoke, whether in healing the sick, calming the storm, or teaching the crowds, His words brought life, clarity, and hope. As His followers, we are called to emulate this careful use of speech, knowing that our words reflect the state of our hearts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the power of our words cannot be overstated. As Proverbs 18:20-21 teaches us, our words produce fruit in our lives, and as Matthew 12:36 reminds us, we are accountable for every word we speak. Let us strive to follow Jesus’ example, using our words to bring life, healing, and truth, always mindful of their impact and significance. May the Holy Spirit empower us to speak with wisdom and love, reflecting the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ in all we say.
Let Us Pray.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of speech and the power of words. Help us to be mindful of the impact our words have on others. May we speak life, truth, and love, just as Your Son, Jesus, did. Guide our hearts and our tongues to reflect Your grace and wisdom in all we say and do. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
May God bless you all, and may your words always bring glory to His name.
Amen.
In His love and grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ryanon Nelima.