The Power of the Tongue: Proverbs 6: 16-19

The Power of the Tongue:  Proverbs 6: 16-19

I bet you never thought you would or could be a murderer.  However, in many cases we have.  The Bible states that the power of life and death lies in the tongue.  Additionally, out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.   So you say, you've heard these words before, but that only applies to the person that's  doing the talking.  

Unfortunately,  applies to the one who's on the receiving end as well.  Consequently, in most major crimes there is likely an accompish  to the crime.   Gossiping is this crime. You may not have pulled the trigger but you were at the scene of the crime.  This  makes you an accessory to murder.   Wow!!! that sheds a greater light on the 10 commandments "Though shall not commit murder".  

When a person chooses to gossip, It's their desire to invoke verbal harm, abuse or death in a person's life.  Since it "takes two to tango".   Gossip needs a dance partner in order to maneuver around the dance floor. As they waltz around the dance floor they are aways looking to gracefully exchange hands  to another dance partner.  (sounds like someone who is walking around seeking whom he may devour).  

The goal of a gossiper is to saturate the atmosphere with death by invoking discord, division, jealousy and strife.  However, his or her plan is only as effective as the partner who chooses to dance with him or her.  The profound revelation to the recipient who listens to gossip is rather than keeping hope alive you are  "keeping death alive".  What we choose to do with a gossiper makes the difference.  

When we allow ourselves to be the recipient of a gossip; we ourselves become an accessory to murder. In most "partner in crime" situations, you always have one that is trigger happy and the other that is considered the innocent by-stander.  But what it boils down to is the fact that both are guilty of the same crime.  DEATH BY GOSSIP.     

So what do you do with gossip.  You have a choice of one of two things:  Listen to it or choose to say "the buck stops hear"(NOT Here) and refuse to be subject to it.  What you choose to "hear" is up to you.   Since it takes "two to tango"-- and "misery loves company"  We as the recipients can choose to change our dance partner and not allow negative words that are  spoken about ourselves or others to enter into our ear gates.   My mother always said "what you don't know will not hurt you".  To an extent this is true.  Itchy ears can cause you to discover something you wish you never heard.  

Truth be told, we've all participated in gossip of some sort. Either as the carrier or as the recipient. While most choose not to be the carrier we have likely been the recipient of gossip.  Although we may not have agreed with what was said, we essentially "kept death alive" by allowing the gossip to travel.   

Today, I challenge you to become a life giver.  Use your tongue for the purpose intended.  Share a kind word, pray for someone in need, speak a word of encouragement, prophesy the good news.  Let the words that you speak not be spoken with wrath, hatred, anger, resentment or guile.  For the married couples:  don't let the frustrations of your marriage open the door for other's in your business because of your wagging tongue.  Instead, allow your tongue to reflect the love of God.  Be quick to listen…and slow to speak. Don't let a moment of frustration cause you to lash out something you'll regret later. Most importantly don't let you mouth take you to a place where an innocent conversation can quickly turn into gossip.  Watch who you associate with.  Guard your tongue.   There is power of life or death in the tongue; how you choose to use it will determine your future.   

Uniquely You - Matters of the Heart, 
Kelly J.