Speak Blessings, Not Curses

Saturday, November 7

James 3:10-12 (NKJV)

“Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.”

Devotion

Did you know that what we say affects others? This is why we need to be careful with our words. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21 NKJV).

What we declare has consequences. What we say can bring healing, and it can also cause much harm. The Bible reminds us that “out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing” (James 3:10). This should not be. As children of God, we ought to speak life-giving words, blessing and healing to everyone.

We need to be careful about what we declare. Sharing the good news of God’s salvation with the lost and dying brings life and healing. It brings good and not evil. It can turn things around for people, and the goodness of God shall overflow. As we declare the love and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, it brings hope and restoration to a sick man. We need to “speak to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, making music in our hearts to the Lord, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” It is like life-giving water to a dying and thirsty man in the desert. Like a parched land, rain causes it to bloom once more; likewise, a man recovers and finds the will to live when he knows the Lord Jesus. His life turns around, and he has hope for tomorrow.

 “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10–11).

Children are most vulnerable to our words. They take our praises and criticisms to heart. We need to speak the truth in love and be careful to build up and not tear down anyone.

Did you know that what we say affects others? This is why we need to be careful with our words. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21 NKJV).

What we declare has consequences. What we say can bring healing, and it can also cause much harm. The Bible reminds us that “out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing” (James 3:10). This should not be. As children of God, we ought to speak life-giving words, blessing and healing to everyone.

We need to be careful about what we declare. Sharing the good news of God’s salvation with the lost and dying brings life and healing. It brings good and not evil. It can turn things around for people, and the goodness of God shall overflow. As we declare the love and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, it brings hope and restoration to a sick man. We need to “speak to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, making music in our hearts to the Lord, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” It is like life-giving water to a dying and thirsty man in the desert. Like a parched land, rain causes it to bloom once more; likewise, a man recovers and finds the will to live when he knows the Lord Jesus. His life turns around, and he has hope for tomorrow.

 “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10–11).

Children are most vulnerable to our words. They take our praises and criticisms to heart. We need to speak the truth in love and be careful to build up and not tear down anyone.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Teach me Your ways and Your truth. Help me guard my heart and speak the truth in love, building up and not tearing down; encouraging and loving; believing the best in others through the goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ. Help me speak blessings and not curses. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Let your words bring healing. Let your speech reflect Jesus in your life. Speak the truth with love and grace. Bless, and do not curse. Let the Holy Spirit purge all lies and deceit, and let healing, love, grace, and truth overflow from your lips.

Resources

• Your words have the power to shape your life and influence those around you! Watch “Change Your Words, Change Your Life” and discover how speaking life, truth, and faith can transform your everyday walk.

• Read Ephesians 4:29 and make it your anchor verse for today.