By Betty Miller

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. (Proverbs 25:11-12 KJV)

This verse from Proverbs paints a picture of how a word that is spoken wisely appears to others. This kind of word is like golden apples displayed in a setting of silver. The Bible tells us to guard our mouths and to be careful about anything we say. If we are to speak words that are a blessing and that edify others, then we must line up our words with the Word of God. It is very important to control our conversation. We will ultimately receive the things that we speak. If we speak the Word of God in faith, it will come to pass. The opposite is also true, if we speak evil long enough, it too will come to pass, as there is power in words.

Psalm 50:23: "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God."

Proverbs 18:20-21: "A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

We will eat the fruit of our spoken words; therefore, we must learn to speak or confess the Word of God and we must also have faith in it, if we want to reap good things in our lives. We must not confess lack, as the Heavenly Father has given us everything we need. We must not confess defeat, as God has made us more than conquerors. We must not confess doubt, as God has given us His faith. We are to speak the things that the Word of God declares as truth. We easily quote what men have to say on a subject, and many times we believe them despite what the Word of God has to say about it. Yet, we are often hesitant to quote what God says because the devil tells us we would be lying. He causes us to look at our circumstances rather than the Word. Circumstances are subject to change, and one of the things that can cause them to do so is the confession of God's Word over a particular situation.

For instance, if we are in need of finances, the devil will try to get us to confess such things as "If I do not have the money to pay my rent, I will be kicked out of my apartment," or "My credit will be ruined if I can't make the house payment." Instead, we need to align our confession with the Word of God. "My God shall supply all your (my) need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19) "... seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (me)" (Matthew 6:33). (Emphasis is mine). We should confess our faith and trust in the Lord by saying, "I don't know how the Lord is going to help us meet this need, but I confess that He will, because He cares for us." Then we must ask the Lord if there is anything He would have us to do. At times, He may speak a plan to us or He may send the help through a friend or give us favor with the landlord. We may not know how the answer will come, but if we stand and confess our Lord's provision in the face of our problem and have faith in Him, He will not fail us.

We have the power to bring evil or good things forth by what we speak. Jesus referred to this in:

Matthew 12:35-37:

35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Prayer for the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father, I first want to thank You for the wonderful promises You have given us in the Bible. Lord, I want to be a person who not only speaks the Word of God, but also one who puts those word into actions. Lord, help me to guard my mouth and speak only those things that are edifying that will bless others. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight as I offer praise unto thee. May You be glorified by all that I speak. May I never doubt Your Word and rely on it in everything I do. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Used with Permission