I Don’t Say That Anymore

“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose.” Proverbs 18:21 MSG

Most people know this scripture in the King James or New King James translation. And, for the most part, we are very good at quoting it; “Death and Life are in the power of the tongue….” It’s one of the more popular scriptures; and one of my favorites. But, when I saw the Message Bible translation, I realized it was perfectly suited for what God had given me this past week.

A few nights ago, I was listening to a church sermon and I felt in my heart, ‘you don’t say that anymore.’ What exactly was that? Well, A LOT. As I was hearing the pastor, God brought to my memory all the things I used to say and how my words had changed. For example, I don’t say “I’m sick.” Now, I say I’m fighting a cold. I used to say, “I need to get out of my feelings.” The problem is that when I’d say that, I’d also feel bad about having those feelings – but God gave us the ability to feel. So, now, I say, “I’m pressing past my feelings.” The feelings might be there, but they don’t dictate what I do.

I don’t say, “I’m broke. I have no money.” I say, “I’m increasing more and more.” See, we quote this all the time. But, in regular “every day” conversations; I don’t think we realize what we release into the atmosphere through the words we choose to speak. We don’t see the affect those words have on others, ourselves, and our minds. Words kill or they give life. Every time we say something, we’re either producing fruit or administering poison. The choice is ours! So, if you’re speaking the wrong words, change them. So, you can also say, “I don’t say that anymore.”

Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, I give You thanks this morning. Thank You for Your Word which is medicine to my flesh. Thank You, Lord, that Your Word is alive and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. Holy Spirit, teach me to replace any words that are not aligned with the promises of God. Help me to hear myself and catch myself in the moment, so that I only speak life into my circumstances and the lives of others. I declare I have the power to speak to any situation and create a shift in my environment. Lord, I thank You that my words produce fruit and, with my words, I give You all the glory, honor, and praise in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Weekly Wisdom Challenge: Wise women weigh their words. We don’t just quote a scripture, we allow the Word of God to change us inside and out. This includes how and what we speak. God is the Creator, and as His children made in His image and likeness, we also have the ability to create through what we speak. This week, take time to think about what you don’t say anymore. What are some things you used to say before that you’ve changed to align with God’s promises? What words do you still need to change to produce fruit in your daily conversations? Let me know how it goes.