Pathways Press.com

Written by Ruth Schwenk, a contemporary author, blogger, and podcaster.  This is an excerpt from the book “Settle My Soul.”

There was once a monk who, like many followers of Jesus at the time, was looking for a deeper walk with God. This monk, Abbot Agatho, fled to the desert. The story goes that Abbot Agatho, aware of his temptation to sin with his words, carried a rock in his mouth for three years! He did so until he learned to be silent — or to control his lips. I’m not ready to carry a rock in my mouth as a reminder to watch my words, but I am very aware of my own temptation to use my words unwisely. Because we serve a God who speaks and uses His words to bring life, we are reminded that our words really do matter. They matter in our marriage, our family, the workplace, our relationships, and our church. Our words really are an overflow of what is going on in our hearts, and they have the power to shape the hearts of those whom God has surrounded us with. With our words, we bring life, health, and good things to those we encounter. We make others better by what rolls off our tongue. With our lips, we are to avoid gossip, slander, malice, and idle talk, which steal life instead of nourishing it. We can nourish those around us with words of encouragement. Speaking truth in love. Sharing our appreciation. Building others up with the truth and promises of God’s Word. We nourish others when we speak with gentleness and compassion. We bring life when we choose not to speak words that could easily be used as weapons.

The lips of the righteous nourish many. [Proverbs 10:21]