07/01/2023
*WATCH YOUR WORDS*
TEXT :NUMBERS 14:8-28
*Thou art snared with the* *words*
*of thy mouth, thou art* *taken*
*with the words of thy* *mouth.*
(Proverbs 6:2)
*What we say conditions the outcome of the things we get* (Num 14:28). Our hearts must be good, because we speak out of the abundance of our hearts and what believe (Matt 12:34; 2 Cor 4:13). This is a spiritual principle often ignored by believers to their detriment. Words spoken are spirits and they activate things, either positively or negatively (Matt12:35-37). This is so because we're created in God's likeness (Gen 1:28; Ps 33:9). God spoke creation into being; *He spoke* and *it was so* (Gen 1:3, 7, 9, 15). He upholds creation with His word (Heb 1:3).
Jesus said that His word is Spirit and life (John 6:63). His word was full of power (Luk 4:32). With His word, He commanded obedience from creation (Mark 4:41). With His word, demons were cast out (Matt 8:16; Mark 5:1-13). Indeed, Jesus came as an example we need to imitate (John 13:15; 1 Pet 2:21). Note, He spoke those words that His Father gave Him (John 14:10; 12:49-50).
All believers are made in the likeness of Jesus Christ in this world (1 John 4:17). It's our place to put on Christ (Gal 3:27). This is made possible as we renew our minds in the knowledge of Christ (Col 3:10). The knowledge of Christ, is fundamental to our conduct both privately and publicly.
Against this backdrop, we must be careful of what we say. The scripture says we're snared by the word of our mouth (Prov 6:2). So the following admonition are given to us:
1) Be slow to speak (Jas 1:19)
2) Our word should be few for in the multitude of words there lack not sin (Eccl 5:2; Prov 10:19)
3) Avoid jesting because every idle word will be judged (Eph 5:4, 6; Matt 12:37).
4) Avoid flattery (Job 32:21-2; Ps 12:3). Flattery works ruin and is offensive before God (Prov 26:28; Ps 12:3).
5) We'll get what we say; so what do we say (Mark 11:23; Num 14:28).
6) We mustn't speak unadvisedly so that we don't offend God (Ps 106:33).
7) Ask God to set a watch over our mouths (Ps 141:3)
They're those who watch for our words, so it's important to be careful what say (Luk 20:20; Isa 29:20-21). If we watch our lips, we'll save ourselves from trouble (Prov 21:23; 13:3). Let's circumspectly guard our word. We must avoid every evil communication lest we be corrupted (1 Cor 15:33). This will be made possible if God is with our mouths (Exo 4:12; Luk 21:15). All our adversaries will not be able to withstand God's wisdom that will flows from our mouths (Acts 6:9-10).
• LORD, help guard my words in public and in private.
• LORD, in your mercy break the snares of my word.
In Jesus' name. Amen!!!
