Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth – Proverbs 6:2 It is so easy to speak words without thinking about the cause and the effect of our speech. It’s not always wise to speak what’s on our mind and heart. Many have been offended and wounded because of words we spoken. If we just take the time to think about what we’re saying, and the mannerism we’re saying, it could eliminate division and sorry. There is no better instruction manual than the Word of God.

In the heat of anger (Proverbs 14:17), When you don’t have all the facts (Proverbs 18:13). When you haven’t verified the story (Deuteronomy 17:6). If your words will offend a weaker brother (1st Corinthians 8:11-13). If your words are a poor reflection of the Lord to your family and friends (1st Peter 2:21-23). When tempted to joke about sin (Proverbs 14:9). When your words don’t edify (Proverbs 8:8) When you don’t know what to say (Proverbs 17:27-28). When your words are hasty (Ecclesiastes 5:2). When being deceitful (Proverbs 4:24). Lie against your neighbor (Proverbs 24:28).

Words are powerful, and they can encourage or destroy. Through our emotions, we speak forth words and behaviors. Bitterness – Shows you where you need to heal, and where you’re still holding judgment on others and yourself. Resentment – Shows you’re living in the past and not allowing the present to be as it is. Discomfort – Shows you that you need to pay attention right now to what is happening because you’ve been given the opportunity to change, to do something different than what you’re doing. It’s up to you what you will allow and disallow in your life. Anger – shows what you’re disagreeing with whether it’s real or imaginary.

Disappointments – Indicates you’ve tried something and fail, but didn’t give in to apathy, that you still care. Guilt – Shows that you’re still living a life in other people’s expectations of what you should do or actions that need to be resolved to the person you’ve offended. Shame – You’re internalizing other people’s beliefs about who you should be when you should be pride of who you are and try not to be what people will label you. Anxiety – Indicates you’re stuck in the past and fearful of the future.

All of these are words and they are actions. They are either spoken verbally or through our behavior toward ourselves and others. To zip it is to close what will not identify who we really are. Sometimes we talk too much trying to prove who we are. We should never try to prove ourselves to another person who also is in need of help in one way or another. Only you can close the door to the words you speak, only you can determine who you want to be. And only you can decide not to offend others with your words and behavior.