What's in a word?

In Proverbs 10, Solomon encourages everyone to watch the words that come out of their mouths. I have to admit that sometimes, I have allowed things fly out of my mouth without thinking first. This Proverb tells me that I must carefully guard the words that come out of my mouth because of the impact they have on others – especially those people who are closest to me.

Proverbs 10:11 says “The words of a good person give life, like a fountain of water, but the words of the wicked contain nothing but violence.”

Isn't that the truth?

Have you had someone zap the life right out of you simply by the words they said? It’s like the words roll off their tongue and cut you off at the ankles.  I know I have felt belittled and unloved at the expense of someone else’s words. Sometimes I have allowed unkind words to hinder my walk with Christ. I have been so enraged at the words of another that I have held anger and bitterness in my heart towards the person who said them. This isn't what Jesus wants for us. He doesn't want us "holding onto" bitterness and anger.  

The book of James tells us that the tongue is the smallest part of our body (James 3:5) but it makes the greatest impact. Isn’t that the truth? The impact of our wordscan be used for building people up or tearing people down.

In Proverbs 10, Solomon tells us the positive aspects of the words we say:

·         Proverbs 10:13 - “smart people speak wisely”

·         Proverbs 10:20 – “their words are like pure silver”

·         Proverbs 10:21 – “they will help many others”

Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes from the One who spoke life into us, our loving Father. Reading Proverb 10 has challenged me to look inward and ask myself a few questions:

·         How am I using my words?

·         Do I speak words that will build others up (Eph. 4:29)

·         Do I tear people down with my words?

It is up to me to watch my tongue. The power it has can either positively or negatively impact those around me.

Today I choose to be more mindful of the words I use. I am committed to having a positive impact by the words I speak…what about you?

Related reading: Ephesians 4:29 – 30, James 3:5-10, James 1:26, Proverbs 25:11, Proverbs 15:23

Today I'm choosing to "add flavor"

Well, I believe God is taking me on a journey to really dive into the words I speak and how I choose to use them. The verse I am studying today comes from Colossians 4:6 in the NIV. “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

I really like the way the Message paraphrases this verse too:

“Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.”

So after reading this verse in a few different translations of the Bible, I couldn’t help but take an honest look at the words I choose to use. I’d like to think I am encouraging and uplifting in all my conversations. But in all honesty, I’m not…especially when I get upset or bothered by something.

I get irritated with my husband and my words show the contents of my heart…words laced with anger, bitterness, disdain, or contempt. My words really ooze with condescension when I pick up the telephone and hear a telemarketer on the other end. My words are short and bite…clearly letting them know I’m not at all happy with the intrusion.

My WORDS matter! And according to Matthew 12:34, how I choose to use them says a great deal about the contents of my heart. OUCH! I really want the contents of my heart to be a reflection of Jesus and the difference He has made in my life.

Looking back to the verse in Colossians, Paul encourages us to "let our conversations be full of grace and seasoned with salt." When I thought about the purpose of salt, I thought about how it enhances the taste of the food I eat. But too much salt ruins everything.

Today, I want my words to "enhance" or "add flavor" to the day of those I come in contact with.

Today Lord help me engage my brain before one word rolls off my tongue. I want every word that comes out of my mouth to be uplifting and encouraging to those around me. Amen