Choose Well
Better slip with foot than tongue (Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1734). There really is no denying the power of words. A great novel can carry you off to far away places and distant adventures. However, words can also create fear, anxiety, or even stress. The well placed word can’t be underestimated. Because of the power of words, it’s also why we are encouraged throughout Scripture to listen more than we speak. It’s what prompted the writer of Proverbs to say a fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion (Proverbs 18:2 ESV).
We, as human beings, need to learn the necessary skill of watching what and how we say things. The truth is, our words can get us into trouble. Jesus said as much during his ministry on earth. When he was speaking to the local Pharisees, he said:
Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned (Matthew 12:33-37 NIV).
The effects of ill-timed words can be disastrous for us. So why not make your words count today? Maybe there is someone in your life or someone you interact with that is saying that right now I need a little hope. I need to know that I'm not alone. Maybe God is calling you tonight to tell me something that might save my life (Sidewalk Prophets, Save My Life). Your words today may be the very thing that someone needs to hear today. It may be the very place God has called you to speak something life-giving into another person’s life. To be the light in this world.
Choose your words with care. It’s better to slip on your feet than with your tongue. It’s a powerful tool at our disposal. Use it well.
We, as human beings, need to learn the necessary skill of watching what and how we say things. The truth is, our words can get us into trouble. Jesus said as much during his ministry on earth. When he was speaking to the local Pharisees, he said:
Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned (Matthew 12:33-37 NIV).
The effects of ill-timed words can be disastrous for us. So why not make your words count today? Maybe there is someone in your life or someone you interact with that is saying that right now I need a little hope. I need to know that I'm not alone. Maybe God is calling you tonight to tell me something that might save my life (Sidewalk Prophets, Save My Life). Your words today may be the very thing that someone needs to hear today. It may be the very place God has called you to speak something life-giving into another person’s life. To be the light in this world.
Choose your words with care. It’s better to slip on your feet than with your tongue. It’s a powerful tool at our disposal. Use it well.
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