In the book of James, chapter 3:9-10, the following is written:
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.”
How often today we hear a constant barrage of criticism, cursing, and complaining without recourse or accountability. Through the airwaves and onto the internet, these negative words become seared into our psyches, and they become our constant companions. Listen to your words as you speak. Are you encouraging or tearing down? Are you praising or criticizing? Are you demanding? Reprimanding? Are you parroting the negativism foisted upon us by all forms of media by telling yourself that you have been wronged, you have rights, you are going to get even wherever you can? Or are your words like cool breezes that sooth on a sweltering day? If we fill our ears and minds with constant messages of hate, injustice, corruption, depression, bad news, and criticism, then what can we expect in return? Rather, contemplate the goodness in God’s word, His world created for you to enjoy, His words provided to express the joy of your heart – not the burdens, the faithless expressions of complaints and getting even.