Words We Say

I’ve been thinking lately a lot about the words we say. It seems everyone has an opinion about something and willing to share it in a not-so-nice way. God created each of us uniquely. Our past, how we were raised, educated, our culture, all impact our viewpoints.

Like most parents, when our girls were young, my husband and I did not encourage tantrums. We tried to teach them how to use words to express themselves. We wanted them to learn how to communicate properly and treat people with respect, especially when their feelings got out of control.

My question is, why do so many people think it’s OK to act like a toddler? Why do many feel entitled to yell, spew hurtful words at someone because they are angry or have different opinions? Anger, disagreement does not give a green light to be hurtful.

Words destroy

People say “I don’t murder”. Well, maybe you don’t kill in the physical sense, but is it quite possible you are killing someone with your words?

Words don’t turn into vapor; they stick inside the person on the receiving end. There’s a reason the Bible compares thoughtless, rash words to a sword thrust. Words wound as deep as any sword, piercing another’s soul (Proverbs 12:18). The Bible also compares uncontrolled speech to a small fire that sets a whole forest ablaze (James 3:5-6). Words have power to destroy a person. They also have power to bring life.

Words bring life

Proverbs 16:24 states “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Like the sweetness of honey, a kind words can brighten a person’s being. They can nourish and heal a person’s soul. Kind words demonstrate grace, encouragement, compassion, empathy, love.

What choice will you make?

We cannot control other people’s behavior, but we do have control over how we behave. Do you want to be the person that starts the forest fire or puts the forest fire out? Can you look for ways to use your words to bring life to other, hurting humans?

Because words are powerful, they can trigger emotions. I know my human nature wants to defend. So many times, I have had to take a breath and say a prayer. I have to ask God to help keep my mouth shut or if I must open it, ask Him to help guide the words that come out. When I step out of the way, God’s Spirit enables and equips me to do, and say, the right thing.

Even God’s chosen King of Israel, David, struggled with words. I end this post with his prayer, one I’ve said many times.

Prayer

O Lord, I call to you; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to you. Set a guard over my mouth, keep watch over the door of my lips. Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds (and words) of evildoers. Keep me from the snares they have laid for me. (Psalm 141:1, 3-4, 9)