Words and Destiny

Proverbs 18:20-21 AMP

A man’s [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil]. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].

The tongue is a small, yet fundamental part of the human body. It is usually not noticed till we speak. Its size is minute but its effect is eternal.
It has been said that words are powerful but I'm not sure that we fully appreciate the import of that saying. We open our mouths and pronounce blessings insincerely and utter curses flippantly. We often tell people what they want to hear so we can be left alone, or we lie shamefacedly, trying to avoid confrontations and embarassment. But for a man who understands his place in God and the power of words, there is a different standard.
Let me explain: God, the source of all life and existence, began this earthly experience with words. He spoke and everything as we see it came to pass. He spoke and the heavens and the earth came to be and through all the ages, God's Word still sustains the entire creation. If we were created by this same God and endowed with the same power, then our words must be tempered and monitored. God created us in his own image and his breath in us carries the same creative force that created and still sustains the universe. If we are indeed made in his likeness, I can open my mouth like him and declare things that will be. If I am truly his child, I can speak into my future and create whatever I desire under his leading.
Why then do we talk like we don't understand the import of our words? Why do we need to be constantly reminded of the power of the tongue? Why are we always in a hurry to speak and slow to heart instead of the other way around? God is saying to us today: if I'm your father, talk like me, if I am your Lord and master, say whatever I give you to say and do whatever I ask you to do. By your words, you are either justified or condemned. If you still doubt, compare the experiences and eventual destination of Joshua and Caleb on the one hand, and the people of Israel on the other.
God is still searching for people who will faithfully censor their tongues and spread his life through their words. He's the One whose Word gives life and the One who sustains life.  You are either justified or condemned by the words that you speak. Rejoice for his season of favour is here.