What Are You Flinging? (The Power of Words)

They can flow like a river, making people laugh or cry. They come in the form of gentle, soothing sentences, or angry, hate-filled words. They even come in the form of song. Sometimes, they come from the heart of God—“apples of gold in settings of silver.” Words are so easy to say–and impossible to take back. We can use them for harm or for good, and all of us do both. Someday, we will all give account of the words we have spoken long after we have forgotten most of them…

The Amplified Bible describes where our words come from, and when we will give our account to God: “The good man from his inner good treasure flings forth good things, and the evil man out of his inner evil storehouse flings forth evil things.” “But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak.” Matthew 12: 35-36

These verses describe our words, whether good or bad, as being flung from within us. Words spoken “forcefully,” “impetuously,” or “casually’,” according to one of Merriam Webster’s definitions of the word “fling.” Our words matter to God, and to the one receiving them. We can help shape our children’s future with our words, and we can edify or tear down those around us in an instant.

The bible says that no man can tame his tongue. But with God’s help and grace, we can learn to consider our words before we speak, allowing God to build up in us a good treasure. Words are everywhere, and we all put thousands of them together daily. Will yours be for evil, or for good?