The Value of Words

“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”   Proverbs 25:11

A baby’s first word is a milestone worthy of claps, celebration and phone calls to all the family.  A person’s last words are cherished moments, words we cling to, words we treasure.  But what about all the words spoken in between?  We do not give them the same amount of fanfare, but are they as important?

We all know that words in the mouth of an angry person can be like darts or arrows, striking the mark and leaving pain and infection.  Angry words, when allowed to sink in, can be poison to our whole system, festering and resulting in toxic emotions.

Kind uplifting words, words of encouragement, can cause us to keep going when we are tempted to give up.  They can cause us to stand a little taller, smile a little more, and feel loved, cherished or appreciated.

How are you using your words?  The Bible makes it plain in Matthew 12:36 that we will give an account for every careless word we speak.”  What a sobering passage!

It takes effort, determination and intent to be a person who speaks apt words, those which we read today are like “apples of gold in setting of silver.”  These types of words are valuable, precious, enduring, and to be treasured.  Even as we have a word of correction, rebuke or reprimand to give, it can be done with apt and fitting words, causing the person to feel helped rather than attacked.  “This report looks really good.  I can see you put a lot of time and thought into it.  There are just a couple of modifications we need to make before it is ready to be distributed.”  Is much easier to accept than:  “What were you thinking Jones?  My fifth grader could have done a better job writing this report.  Do it again, and this time do it right!”  Which of the above scenarios would inspire you to try harder and improve next time?

Or “Do you have any idea how much Jesus loves you?”  Versus “You are a sinner and headed to hell!”  Which one draws you to Jesus?  They are both truth.  There are times to say both things- under the leading of the Holy Spirit.  But the second one would probably be better received after the first one has been said many times and demonstrated by the speaker.  People can accept constructive criticism, but it has to be at a time that they are not feeling threatened or attacked.

I encourage you today, as you go through life, YOU be the one to speak praise into the life of your kids or grandkids.  YOU be the one to have something positive to say over the people on your job.  YOU be the one to speak words of love to the lost people God puts in your path.

At the end of your life, people will remember either fondly or resentfully your manner with people.  Much of that is determined by your use of the powerful, spoken word.  Make it count!

Dear Lord, help me today to keep this tongue under control.  Let me be a light wherever you have placed me.  Let me see the good in people- and situations- and help me say it.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Sherri