In the book of Psalms, chapter 37, David said that he was going to keep his tongue from sin. In other words, he was not going to let the wrong words come out of his mouth.

As I read this, a question came to my mind: How do I accomplish this difficult task?

First, there are some things that I must not use my mouth for that can be destructive. These are times I use my words that end up tearing down another person with the intent of making me look better. We can do this through slandering another person’s reputation or by bullying them trying to make them feel worthless.

Then there is doing what the scripture calls, “giving false witness,” which is lying about another person.These all kind of tie in with gossiping – telling things about our neighbor that we don’t even know or care is true.

Another way to sin by words that will also tarnish our reputation is to let unwholesome words come out of our mouths, like cursing or telling dirty jokes.

On a positive note, there are ways to use our words in order to do good to our neighbors. There are those who are discouraged and just need some words of encouragement from someone who cares.

We can use words that will build someone up rather than tear them down. We can share the good news with those who need Jesus, offering them hope, peace and eternal life.

We can speak words in prayer for the needs of others, but probably the most important way to use our words is to offer praise to our heavenly Father who has done so much for us.

If you have not decided to connect with God by choosing to follow his Son Jesus Christ, just speak the words of confessing your sins and asking him to forgive you and come into your life and the God who is faithful will do it.