Proverbs 18:21a (NKJV) Death and life are in the power of the tongue 

Genesis 1:1 (NLT) In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 

Genesis 1:3 (NLT) Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 

Genesis 1:6-7a (NLT) Then God said, “Let there be a space between the waters, to separate the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth.” And that is what happened. 

Genesis 1:9 (NLT) Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. 

Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 

1. Think Before You Speak 

a. Will it lift the person up or tear them down?  

b. Is it necessary? 

c. Is it helpful? 

Psalms 141:3 (NLT) Take control of what I say, O LORD, and guard my lips. 

Proverbs 12:18 (NLT) Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. 

2. Internally Process What Others Say 

a. Is it true? 

b. Is it helpful? 

c. Do something with the information or discard it. 

Colossians 4:6 (NLT) Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. 

3. Our Own Self Talk  

a. Is it true? 

b. Is it positive or negative? 

c. Does it line up with the Word of God? 

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. 

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. 

Deuteronomy 28:13 (NLT) If you listen to these commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today, and if you carefully obey them, the LORD will make you the head and not the tail, and you will always be on top and never at the bottom. 

Galatians 4:7 (NLT) Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. 

Next Step: Be an encourager. Before speaking, ask yourself, “Will what I’m going to say build this person up or tear them down?”

Matthew 11:28 (NLT) Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.