Day 189

Psalm 98-100, 102, 104. “The Power of the Spoken Word”

         “The tongue is mightier than the blade” – Euripides, Greek poet ca. 5th century B.C.
         The power of the spoken word is often underappreciated.  The tongue, or our speech, can do much damage, oftentimes without our planning it or even our awareness of it at the time.  James compares the potential for damage by the tongue to a small spark in a forest (James 3:5).  We are all familiar with cases where someone’s reputation is damaged or their career is ruined because they said the wrong thing.  There is a tremendous power in the spoken word.  This is also true of God, who spoke creation into existence (Psalm 104:7).  We also see this in Jesus, who was able to speak healing directly into people’s lives (Luke 7:1-10).
         So why do we struggle so mightily with taming our tongues?  Why do we so often hurt people with our words?  It is because speech is permanent and conversation is often spontaneous.  Unlike the written word which can be edited, the spoken word is raw and cannot be taken back.
         May your speech be filled with grace (Colossians 4:6).

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

Bible Discussion Guide:
- How can you tell the difference between genuine sincere compliments and flattery?
- What kind of damage can happen to a relationship when we use flattery?
- Why is it so difficult to tell the truth sometimes?
- Is it ever okay to lie?
- What does it mean to be still and know that He is God?
- Why can it be so difficult to be silent?
- Why is it that, once we start speaking, we listen so poorly? 
- What does it communicate when we listen poorly?  How does that affect a relationship?
- What is it about boasting or bragging that creates a problem in our lives? 
- What can we tell ourselves in order to avoid boasting?
- What do you have in life to be thankful for?
- How does being thankful impact the way we communicate with ourselves, others and with God?
- Can you share a time when you said something that you wish you could have taken back?
- Personal application:  What changes can you make to avoid hurting people with your words?