Words
By Becci J. Terrill
“When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness..”
and she gives instructions with kindness..”
Proverbs 31:26 (NLT)
I’ll be honest. I wish this verse was about me, but sadly, it is
not.
One would hope that the older one gets, the wiser one becomes,
and the less of a problem words would be. I have not found this to be true in
my life. In fact, I find myself struggling more and more with my words lately.
Why is that?
Words have the power to heal, encourage, build up, bring joy,
comfort and show love. But words can also hurt, betray, wound, ridicule,
deceive and slander. James 3:10 reads, “Out of the same
mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.”
Proverbs 4:23-24 says, “Above all else,
guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away
perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.” I’ve read
the first part (verse 23) many times, but didn’t realize that it comes directly
before instructions about our words. God understood that what is inside our
hearts will come out in our words. (Garbage in = garbage out.)
So, if I’m having problems with my words, it’s really a heart
issue. Am I “guarding my heart”? Am I being careful about what I am
filling my heart and life with? If I want my words to build others up (Ephesians 4:29), then I need to focus on the
truth of God’s Word and be filled with the Spirit. If I am filled with the
Spirit, then the fruit of the Spirit will flow out of my life - - words spoken
in “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness
and self control” (Galatians 5:22-23a).
I’ve still got a long way to go. Thankfully I’m not alone in my
struggle.
My prayer echoes one of King David’s, “Search me, O God, and
know my heart: test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is
any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). WARNING: If you
pray this prayer, God’s Spirit will reveal offensive words! I’m grateful for
the Spirit’s voice that stops me in my tracks and shows me the ugliness of my
words and how they impact others. As I guard my heart and let the Spirit have
control of my words, I pray these reprimands won’t come as often.
Psalm 19:14 says, “Let the words of my
mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord.” Amen.
GOING DEEPER:
1. How would others describe your words?
2. Study Proverbs and Ecclesiastes and allow God to speak to you
about the power of words for good or evil.
FURTHER READING:
Becci Terrill is a wife and mom to
two adult daughters. She is the Children's Ministry Director at Oakwood
Church.
