Speak Life
by Ricky Zeznanski
Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”
When I first got serious about being a follower of Christ, I realized that I needed to work on the way the words I spoke came out of my mouth. It didn’t matter if I was upset, hurt, angry, excited or even encouraging, I learned that words can be life-giving or just the opposite.
Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
I’ve been in situations where I’ve said all the right words but at the wrong time, with the wrong tone or wrong facial expressions. Sometimes not saying anything is better than saying something wrong. Sometimes just being there says it all.
Proverbs 25:11: Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.
Proverbs 10:19: When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
Body language can also make a big difference in the way word are interpreted. Sitting down is always a great way to talk to someone about something. And I always try to stop and think and pray before I speak about something very important.
Proverbs 15:28: The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
Proverbs 17:27: He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Psalm 19:14 says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
When I am discouraged, the enemy tries to get me to start complaining about my situation. This is where I can see the power of my words. Once I start complaining, my attitude gets bad, and no one wants to be around me. Negative words are contagious to anyone around me. Before I know it, everyone is complaining. When this happens, I start meditating on God’s word and speaking about blessings in my life, and it counteracts the negative.
Proverbs 12:18: There is one who speaks rashly like the thrust of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 15:1: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
I love sharing with others about the awesome things Jesus has done in my life. I also love hearing about what Jesus has done in their lives. These are times when I can feel life being spoken and heard, bringing about healing and comfort. The enemy flees.
Proverbs 16:24: Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Proverbs 25:25: Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
Sometimes being able to corral my words is a pretty tough task, as it can depend on who I am around. But with daily prayer asking God for help and with lots of practice, I am doing fairly well.
Revelation 12:11: And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.
Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
I’ve learned that I should always be aware of what I say, when I say it and how I say it. It could possibly mean life or death for someone. I choose to speak life.
Author Bio
Ricky Z has served on staff at Council Road for two years as the Associate Minister in the Recovery Ministries. He is also employed at Capstone Construction and speaks around the state at many of the prisons and jails as a prison minister.