What are you writing?

“My tongue is a ready writer” (Psalms 45:1b KJV).

The writer of Psalms says his tongue is like a skillful writer. I wonder what our tongues are writing in the lives of those around us.

Scripture tells us clearly that we hold tremendous power in the words we speak. We can build up, encourage, inspire, impart wisdom, comfort, and teach through the words we choose.

However, Psalm 64:3 tells us that we can also sharpen our tongues like swords, and our words can break and wound hearts, destroy relationships, and ruin reputations. They can be as deadly as arrows piercing the hearts, regardless of age or gender, family or stranger, friend or enemy.

The startling part is what Jesus tells us in Luke 6:45: our words, whether good or bad, come from our hearts. They reveal what we are thinking and what we believe to be true. James 3:8 tells us that no man can tame or control his tongue, so what can we do?

The only solution is an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. We can develop this only by spending time with the Lord and in His word each day. It requires a conscious decision to yield our will and deliberate reliance on the Holy Spirit. It also reveals the need for us to prove our beliefs. Are they grounded in Scripture, or in tradition, culture, or our own assumptions?

When we are writing a letter and realize a word is unkind or wrong, we can erase it. When typing on a computer or texting on our phones, we can delete and rewrite. However, with spoken words, it is different. Even when we apologize or say we didn’t mean it, the words can’t be unspoken.

This is something we all deal with every day, and we know from experience how words can affect us. Therefore, may each of us be alert to what we write on the hearts of others and earnestly seek our Lord's help. The Christian writer C.S. Lewis offered a helpful guideline. Before you speak, consider: “Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?”

“Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones” (Psalm 16:24 KJV).