Day 3: I Speak Therefore I Am

The power of the spoken word. That was a major focus of today's third and final day of the conference. It reinforced the idea that carefully chosen words spoken within a properly delivered framework have the power to inform, transform, reform.

God clearly understood the power of the spoken word.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)

He knew we needed to keep all that power under control because we have a tendency to let the wrong things slip out of our mouths. That's why He provided the etiquette of speaking long before Emily Post wrote her book on manners.

For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. (Proverb 2:6)

Listen to just one dreadful thing that an unchecked mouth can do.

For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter...sharp as a two-edged sword. (Proverbs 5:3-4)

Ah, but a mouth that is kept in check.

In a multitude of words, sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. (Proverbs 10:19)

The tongue of the wise promote health. (Proverbs 12:18)

I speak, therefore, I am. Whatever comes out of my mouth reveals my heart. And I know I need to stay plugged into the maker of words so that my lips do not become like a two-edged sword.