WORDS
24th Apr 2019
“The words of the godly are a life giving fountain”. These are powerful words from Proverbs 10 in the New Living Translation. The importance of how we speak is a theme running throughout scripture. We probably all know the verse in Proverbs 18:21, “The tongue has the power of life and death”, and many of us have been taught how to “confess the word” as a key to healing, etc.
However, as I began to meditate of this verse, I realised that every word that we use in our communication has an impact on those who hear what we say, and also on us. Proverbs 17:27 says, “A truly wise person uses few words…” and I can still hear my mother’s words ringing in my ears as I remember her rebuke when as a child I was quarrelling with my sisters, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grevious words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 in the King James Version.
We have the potential to speak words that will bless, build up, encourage, strengthen and heal. So how will you use your words today? Proverbs 15:23 says, “Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!”
Sometimes it will be hard to say things that seem to be challenging and bringing correction. But Proverbs 27:5 says, “An open rebuke is better than hidden love.” Everything we speak has an impact; the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” is totally false. So many people I meet are still suffering from the words heaped on them in childhood.
James 3:6 declares, “….the tongue is a flame of fire…it can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.” So the tongue can ruin your life, but as believers we have the possibility of speaking life giving words every moment of every day - be an encourager.
David prays in Psalm 19:14, “May the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
by Charles Sibthorpe
