AN ARROW, A QUIVER AND A BOW

An arrow, when it is in the quiver, it is harmless. The same arrow, when picked from the quiver, and place on a bow, is a potential danger, and could become an angel of death. However the arrow when released from the bow, is the most deadliest of all. It is fast hurtling towards its target, and there is no turning back…it cannot be undone. Same is the case with the words that we use…especially sharp, critical and hurtful words.

– Just like the arrow, when such words are in the safety of our mind, they harm none…even though it has the potential and the power to hurt and harm others.
– If they are placed on our tongue, ready to be released, still they are harmless, because no one knows. 
– However, when the words, like the arrow that is released, are spoken once, cannot be taken back. They will do the damage, whether they hit the target or not.

The Word of God admonishes and advises us thus on this important subject…
– 10 For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. 11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.” – 1 Peter 3:10-11
– “6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” – Colossians 4:6
– “29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” – Ephesians 4:29
– “19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.” – Proverbs 10:19
– “4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:4
– “21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21
– “27 He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.” – Proverbs 17:27

What we speak, and how we speak, is a reflection of what is in our hearts and who we actually are. This is what our LORD had said…
– “34…For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” – Matthew 12:34-37

Therefore, it wise for us to always check our hearts, and be extremely careful, with our tongue, and our words. They can bring devastating death and destruction. May we use our tongues to edify, encourage and empower others. May we be agents of God, who speak only blessings, and seek the best for others. Even so the LORD help us.