My wife loves the smell of puppy’s breath. I have to admit, I do not. I love dogs. We have had a dog for over 15 years now, but I still don’t let them lick me for reasons… well, you know the reasons: the things that dogs put in their mouth, and the things that they put their mouths to. Yuck!!!
I realize that it is not just puppies though. Human can have bad breath. And let me assure you, I am not just talking about the things that humans put in their mouths, but the things that can come out of a human’s mouth.
Prov. 18:21 says “The tongue has the power of life or death!” That is a lot of power for such a small “organ” in the body. Typically when we think of life and death in the body we think heart, brain, lungs, kidney, and so on. Not the tongue!
God is speaking a very bold truth through Solomon here in that “Our words affect people!” The little words and the big words––they all affect people!
We teach our kids, “Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words never will!” This is a subtle lie that the enemy of our souls has tricked us into believing. A very true and well done study indicates that it takes 7 positive statements to erase the effects of one negative statement. The power of words are very strong to the spirit of man.
Let me give you a few sentences that bring life to the spirit of man…
Jesus said, “I have come to give you life and life more abundantly!”
He also said, “Go and sin no more!”
John the Baptist said, “Greater is He in me, than he that is in the world!”
What about the words that we will here on the other side of this life, “Well done thy good and faithful servant! Enter in to paradise with me!”
You are going to hear some words that will hurt you, and you will probably say some words that will hurt others. But let me encourage you with the words of Paul, “Follow me as I follow Christ!” Use the words of scripture to bring life to your tongue and to other people!
I assure you, if you do, you will have great smelling breath! Not puppy breath!