Your Mouth Is a Power Tool. Use It Carefully - Daily Hope with Rick Warren - Aug. 16, 2015

God wants us to use our words to build others up. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (NIV).

Sometimes our words are like a sledgehammer. We swing away without thinking, and all of a sudden we look around, and all we’ve got is a pile of relational rubble. When you thoughtlessly sling your words around and tear people down, your relationships are going to suffer.

One of the reasons we’re not constructive with our words is we don’t realize how powerful this tool is—our mouth and the words that God has given to us. We say things without thinking. And people remember them. Certain things people said to you in a careless way—even as far back as grade school or college or when you first started working—you still remember today. That’s how powerful words are. So when it comes to your mouth, you’ve got to think of it as a power tool and be very careful with it.

One time I went into my garage and grabbed a manual for a power saw. As I was reading through the directions, I was struck by how it related to the use of another power tool that God has given us: our mouths. The directions said:

1. Know your power tool.
2. Keep guards in place.
3. Be careful around children.
4. Store idle tools when not in use.
5. Don’t over reach.
6. Never use in an explosive atmosphere.

How can you use your mouth more carefully so you are using it to build relationships and not to tear people down?

1. Stop excusing. Stop saying, “I didn’t really man to say that” or “It’s just that blood sugar dip before lunch.” Realize that what you say impacts everybody around you.
2. Talk less. We often get in trouble because we just don’t know when to shut up. If it’s a power tool, you shouldn’t have to use it as much, right?
3. Listen more. If you listen more, you can better understand people’s needs.
4. Start building. Let your first thoughts be, “What does that person need? How can I use a word of encouragement to build him up? What can I say to make a difference in his life?”

Talk It Over

• Why do we need to be especially careful with our words in an “explosive atmosphere”?
• What is something you can practice doing in your relationships that will help you talk less and listen more?
• What Scripture verses can you memorize that will help you speak truth and encouragement in others’ lives?