We conclude our series on the importance of the words we hear and speak. In numerous passages in the Bible, James encourages us to control our words. He says that someone who can control their words is someone who can control their whole life. Like the way the bit in a horse’s mouth controls where the horse goes, or the rudder on a ship that controls its direction, so does the tongue guide a person’s life. I have some great advice for you if you want to ruin your life: Gossip like crazy, curse, insult, criticize, see the worst in others, make sure they know, or say it in secret, hoping they’ll change. The same goes for exaggerating, lying, and mocking. One lie will make you untrustworthy.

You have the option to throw away your life with the words you use, or you can transform your life! Our lives are changed as we come to understand how powerful words are in our hearts, in our mouths, as well as the words we hear. Focus on words of praise if you want to live an awesome life. Make your words beautiful. Increase your vocabulary. The better thing to do is to say nothing than to say something that will hurt you or others.

Friend, it is possible to control our words and encourage others. Ensure that your words are filled with love and confidence. Be like King David, who made mistakes, but God loved him. Take a moment to reflect on the praises David wrote in the Psalms. The Psalms are full of praise, confidence, and the Holy Spirit. Like you, David painted a life with his words that still resonate today.