The Table of Contents for Our Lives

In a sense, the words that we speak are the table of contents for our lives. What we say gives away who we really are. Jesus said, “For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart” (Matthew 12:34–35 NLT).

The Bible also tells us, “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences” (Proverbs 18:21 NLT).

Christians who never would consider murder can be guilty of character assassination and backbiting. Yet the Bible warns about this and tells us that it’s wrong. Our words can hurt others.

In 1 Peter 3:10 we read, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies” (NLT).

Words can chart the course of our lives.

Saying “I do” means marriage for life, or at least it should. Saying “I won’t” to the offer of drugs, alcohol, and premarital or extramarital sex will free us from a lot of misery and the consequences of sin. And saying “I will” to the offer of forgiveness from Jesus Christ will change our eternal destiny.

James points out, “We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. . . . In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire” (3:3, 5 NLT).

God did not give us vocal cords, a tongue, and lips to tear down and destroy others. Rather, He gave them to us so we can build up others, speak the truth, and worship Him. The highest use of our words is to offer them in praise and honor to God.

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