June 13

The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction. — Prov 16:21 BSB

Life is largely made up of words. Though not as deliberate as deeds, words carry great weight. One of the New Testament’s remarkable authors said, "If anyone doesn’t stumble in word, they are perfect." Often, it’s the test of victory in the Christian life. Our triumphs often hinge on what we say—or don’t say. James tells us that the tongue is "set on fire by hell." Therefore, a true Christian is not only righteous in their actions but upright in their words. Deeds appeal to men, but speech is directed toward God, for He is always listening. Our words rise upward and are recorded for judgment. I believe this is an actual fact, and I can almost picture the skies above, as clear as they seem, like a wax tablet that records every word we speak. These impressions are preserved for the eternal judgment. So we should speak with our gaze upward, remembering that one day we will face the words we have spoken.