"Now Joshua had commanded the people, saying, "You shall not shout or make any noise with your voice, nor shall a word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I say to you, 'Shout!' Then you shall shout." Joshua 6:10

God had commanded Joshua to lead the children of Israel around the walls of Jericho once a day for six days, and then on the seventh day they were to march around it seven times.  These were surely unusual instructions, and would have received much criticism from the Israelites if they would have had the opportunity to speak about it. Knowing the hearts of men, Joshua commanded the people not to speak until they heard the shout of the ram's horn on the seventh day.  When they heard the horn they were given instructions to shout.  

I can only imagine the doubt that would have followed all the criticism, had the children of Israel been allowed to speak.  Their hearts may have fainted and fear would have probably set in, and if fear would have set in they would have most assuredly lost the battle God desired to give them.  

Too often we give little consideration to the power of our words.  The words that come out of our mouth have the ability to bring life or death the Bible teaches us.  We can choose to gossip, criticize, and complain bringing death to any situation, or we can speak honestly with love and faith building up ourselves and those around us bringing life to whatever situation we are in.  Never underestimate the power of your words, they will either build up or tear down you and those around you.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:21