Read: 2 Kings 17:1-18:12, Acts 20:1-38, Psalm 148:1-14 & Proverbs 18:6-7
Proverbs 18:6-7 tells us fools’ mouths can be their undoing. If you read through Proverbs, this book has a lot to say about fools and how they speak. They like to hear the sound of their own voice, speaking first and thinking later. Their words often land them in hot water. They slander others and speak highly of themselves. They despise correction and refuse good advice. Look over the last 24 hours. What did you spend time talking about?
In 2007, researchers at the University of Arizona found that on average, men and women speak roughly 16,000 words in a day. That’s a lot of communication, and God cares about each and every word. James, Jesus’s brother, would later write that if we consider ourselves people of faith but don’t control our tongues, our beliefs are worthless (James 1:26).
Every word we speak is an opportunity to build others up or to tear them down, to give God glory or to promote our own importance. In Matthew 12:36, Jesus warns us that we will give account for every careless word we speak. So let’s not waste any more words. Take time today to be intentional about what you say.
