By David Huston
Death and life are the power of the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21)
“But I say unto you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37)
More than anything else, our words demonstrate which kingdom we are part of: the kingdom of God or the kingdom of the devil. The words of the kingdom of God are spiritual. They are marked by grace and truth. They lift up and build up other people. The words of the devil tend to be deceptive, unkind, controlling, or destructive. Let’s help one another learn to use “kingdom language”
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VERSE
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Truthful, honest words Ephesians 4:25 Lying, dishonest words
Edifying words (words Corrupt words (words designed to strengthen) Ephesians 4:29 designed to subvert or ruin)
Kind, tender, forgiving Bitter, angry, words (words designed Ephesians 4:31-32 malicious words
to heal) (words designed to harm)
Thankful, appreciative Filthy, foolish words words Ephesians 5:4 (profanity, rude off-color jokes)
Spiritual singing Ephesians 5:6-7, Hollow,deceptive 18-19 words
Open and Honest Critical, condemning confession of faults James 4:11, 5:16 accusing words
Prayerful words James 4:16, 5:16 Boastful, arrogant, self-willed, words
Controlled, deliberate Proverbs 10:19 Excessive,impulsive words words
Wise words intended Proverbs 15:7, 18:6 Contentious to win an argument competitive words intended to win an argument Righteous, Unperverted words Proverbs 8:8, 20:19 Gossip and flattering words
Words that honor
God and other Proverbs 27:2 Self-praising self- people exalting words
Sarcasm: indirect hostility
Threats: direct hostility
Complaining: hostility towards God
Conversation that dominates the other person: non-stop talking
He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. (Proverbs 13:3)
“I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress” (Psalms 17:3)
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalms 19:14)
AGREEMENT OF PARTICIPANTS:
I agree that any participant may interrupt me at any time to call to my attention that 1 am not speaking kingdom language (or to warn me that I nay not be speaking kingdom language).
When this happens…
I will stop talking immediately to consider the nature of my words.
I will not question the person or challenge their assertion in any way.
I will use this information about myself to help me keep my words within the boundary of God’s kingdom.
I also agree not to tell any other participant that he or she is not speaking kingdom language unless I really believe it to be true and really want to help the person. In other words, I will not do it as a gag or because I don’t want to hear what’s being said.
I understand that this is not a game. Everyone who participates should take it seriously. If we will all be judged by our words, then we need to help each other use the right kinds of words.
How forceful are right words! (Job 6:25)
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to Cod the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:17)
The above material was published by Rosh Pinnah Publications. This material may be copyrighted and should be used for study and research purposes only.
