I am fortunate to have grown up in a spiritual environment, and for having been taught early on to watch what I say because of the power that my words hold.  One example of this teaching comes from Proverbs 18:21 that goes something like this (depending on what version you read): “Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food.”  Now that’s powerful stuff!  I think that verse is fairly self explanatory, but to break it down even further, it could read something like this: “If you love to talk, be careful what you say, because your words are powerful. You are blessed or cursed with your own words,and you will have what you say.”

No wonder I cringe when I hear other people say things like: “I can’t have anything!”, “If it weren’t for bad luck, I would have no luck at all.”, ”As soon as I get a dollar, it flies right out the window!”, or ”Nothing I do ever turns out right.” etc, etc.,etc.  Talk about cursing your own life!!!  It’s time to become more mindful of what’s passing through your own lips.  Old habits can be changed,and the habit of filling your mouth with words of negativity certainly is a habit that needs changing. In fact, make it a priority to change it.

With our own words, we not only have the power to bless or curse our own selves, but we also have the power to bless or curse our marriages, our families, our friendships, and our careers.   It’s shameful to hear how some people speak to those closest to them. I have heard things said to a child that one would never dare say to someone old enough to stand up for theirself.  I have heard words exchanged between couples that are anything but uplifting.  No wonder the divorce rate steadily climbs!  I hear those that have nothing good to say about the jobs that they hold.  It’s no surprise that they never get a raise or move ahead in their career.

What a difference we would see around us when we start using the power of our words to bless our own lives and the lives of others, to heal instead of hurt, and to build up instead of destroy.