Proverbs 25:11
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”
Proverbs 16:24
“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.”
Here the sacred text is describing how a word that edifies and builds another up is spiritually significant and a blessing to the hearts of those who receive it. Indeed, they are sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
The word of God truly has the keys to unlock the mysteries of every human condition. We will find an answer to every need known to man within its covers.
Words matter. We speak life or we speak death with the words of our mouth. The word instructs us to place a guard at our mouth “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” Psalms 131:3
Years ago I worked in the public employment field and eventually owned an agency of my own. I would interview the applicant and together we would decide which jobs they would apply for. I would make notations on their application form as to their strengths and skills set to discuss with the employer. Often, I would have them sit at my desk when I made the call. As I went over their specific qualifications with the employer, I would talk about why I thought they would be a good fit for the job. They might be nervous and lacking in self-confidence, but as I discussed their attributes I could see a distinct change in their countenance. Hearing someone speak of them in a favorable light caused a visible change in their posture and their facial expressions. I was seeing the verse “a word fitly spoken” played out before my eyes.
Through the years I have further noticed that a kind word, a genuine word of praise spoken to someone does indeed change their countenance. The words we speak are powerful. They can lift someone up or, as sadly is often the case, tear someone down to the point of despair.
When a child is repeatedly told they are useless, or stupid, or a failure these words find a way to dig deep into their brain. Spoken often enough, they will mold them, convincing their impressionable young spirits that they, indeed, are worthless. They will begin to taunt them in all that they do. The enemy of their soul will make it his business to remind them repeatedly of every negative word.
Conversely, when they are built up, told they are intelligent, kind and brave and that we are proud of them, that too has its impact. They see themselves as they have been described by those who know them best: their parents, guardians, teachers or coaches. When families are dysfunctional due to finances, marital problems, or stress in general, the outcome so often is that harsh words are spoken over the youngest and most vulnerable among us.
As Christians, we are going to be held accountable to God for every word spoken. That is a weighty thought. Thankfully, we have an advocate in Jesus Christ who pleads our case before the Father (I John 2:1). When I think of this, I so want to live a life that honors and magnifies God so that Jesus is not always having to plead my case. “But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, who is the Head, even Christ.” Ephesians 4:15
One of our foremost goals should be that we grow up into Him in all things. It is possible for the Word says it is. May we consider our thoughts because they become our words and those words can cause great joy or great pain.
Let us purpose afresh and anew to…”Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.” Psalms 19:14
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