Our Words Matter

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.  (Proverbs 12:18)

We have all experienced rash words aimed at us.  And truly, they can cut deeply into our hearts, like a sword thrust into the flesh.  They can cut so deep and be so painful at times that we may even prefer a physical wound.  Especially when they come from people we love and trust the most.  Yet, if we are completely honest with ourselves, we would have to admit that we have not only been the recipients of such words, but at times have also been guilty of using our words as weapons as well.  Ugh, it’s not pretty or fun to admit.  We may even be suffering now from damage we have done to a relationship as a result of careless words.

As I write this post I can think of a recent example of where I let my tongue get away with me.  I was speaking off the top of my head and said too much.  You know what I mean!  This is incredibly difficult not to do, especially when we are comfortable with the person/people we are around.  Devastatingly, our homes can be a place this happens the most.  Having two little girls, one about to turn 6 and one that just turned 3, I am more aware of this than ever and know it shouldn’t be this way!  Because if I am honest with myself, I know that these careless words, even in the privacy of my home, are sin.

James paints an accurate picture of what is happening with our tongues when he writes,

With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.  From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.  Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?  (James 3:9-11)

But notice with me that our original verse says “there is one”.

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts…  (Proverbs 12:18a)

Here it is talking about a person whose habit it is to use their careless words like weapons.  For this person it is habitual, in public and private.  They go about with speech that is not guarded and careful and as a result many people get hurt in the process.  Whether or not they are aware of it, their rash words are like a weapon that injure people in their path.  Yikes!  We probably all can think of at least one person like this, if we aren’t thinking of ourselves.  It reminds us that our words are important.  That our words really do matter.

…but the tongue of the wise brings healing.  (Proverbs 12:18b)

The amazing thing is this, our words truly have the power to change people’s lives for the better too.  They can bring healing!  I’m not sure what this does for you, but it really motivates me to want to watch what I say.  Conversely to the way rash words cut and damage a person’s spirit, wise words can actually bring healing to the spirit.  Doesn’t it excite you to think that you can help the lives of the people around you?!  And so simply at that.  It doesn’t require any money, an advanced degree, fame, or moving to a new location.  Your age, appearance, gender, ethnicity, social status don’t matter either.  Your life can make a difference here and now and for all eternity just by the words you speak, if they are wise.  Again, we are reminded that our words are important.  That our words really do matter.

How are we going to use our words today?  Are our words going to be an agent for injury or healing in the lives of the people around us?  How is our speech in the comfort of our homes and with our closest friends and family?  What we say really does matter!


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