Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Ezekiel 39:1-40:27, Jame 2:18-3:18, Psalm 118:1-18, Proverbs 28:2

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Speaking Life or Death

We all stumble in many ways. But James points out one area where our stumbles can cause great damage: the tongue. It’s small, but powerful. Like a tiny spark that ignites a forest fire, or a rudder that steers a massive ship, the tongue has the ability to build up or tear down lives—sometimes our own.

One moment we’re praising God, the next we’re tearing into someone made in His image. That ought not to be! James is clear: no human being can tame the tongue. That may sound discouraging—until we remember that we’re not limited to human strength. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, and God’s grace is sufficient for even the wildest tongue.

Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Every word you speak plants a seed—are you sowing life or death? Whether we realize it or not, our words carry eternal weight. That truth should humble us and drive us straight to the feet of Jesus.

Think about it—what’s flowing from your mouth? Encouragement or criticism? Truth or manipulation? Peace or division? Like a spring can’t pour out both fresh and bitter water, neither should our speech waver between blessing and cursing.

Taming the tongue starts with surrendering the heart. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. When your heart is full of God’s Word and Spirit, your mouth will begin to echo Heaven. It’s not about biting your tongue—it’s about letting Jesus change your inner well.

💎 So ask yourself: If someone followed me around and recorded all my conversations today, would they hear the voice of a disciple—or the voice of the world?

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

🕊️ Spend 5 quiet minutes with God today. Ask Him two things:

1. “Lord, what do You want me to know about my speech?”
2. “What do You want me to do to reflect You better with my words?”
   Write down what He shows you.

Journal what He whispers and do what He instructs. Let today be a day of holy refinement and realignment with God.

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Prayer

Lord, I surrender my tongue to You. Let my words bring healing, hope, and truth. Cleanse my heart so that what flows out of me reflects Your goodness. Holy Spirit, guide my mouth today—help me to speak life, not death. In Jesus’ name, amen

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.