Does It Matter What I Say?

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue..." (Proverbs 18:21)

Do you believe this? It is certainly true in God's case. He spoke and there was life.

"Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light." (Gen.1:3) God spoke and creation began.

If I believe I am created in the image of God, "Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness..." (Gen.1:26) do I also believe when I speak, creative power is at work?

Jesus spoke to the fig tree and it withered. By his word, Jesus brought death to the tree. His disciples were astonished and basically asked him how this was possible.

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done."( Mt. 21:21)

So my question is, do you believe this power to create life or bring death resides only in God? Is Jesus the only one able to actually produce life and death with his words?

I was sitting with a friend, watching our children play together.  Her two daughters began bickering. As she intervened, she grabbed one by the arm saying, "you are such a brat." I cringed, wondering what her words would produce, certainly not life.

I've noticed lately I have become careless with my words. While driving, I mutter "what an idiot," as I pass another driver talking on his cell phone and not paying attention. I jokingly refer to one of my children as a "punk kid."

" And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak." (Mt. 12:36)

Ouch! I need to pay closer attention to the words I speak.