Wide World of Words

During my last vacation, I had the wonderful opportunity to people-watch outside of where I live. I also spent a bit more time watching the news and more importantly peoples’ reactions to the news.

Christians do not fight for their beliefs by assaulting, killing, name-calling, or the like.

Pastor Brolin Rosquist

That line from Pastor Brolin in the context of our Christian walk is sobering. Do you realize that we can use our words for good or evil? Of course, you do. You have seen people do this. There are words that if you hear them you are triggered. You think of something offensive or hurtful. You immediately become defensive or at least your body as a strong reaction.

It makes me think of the saying  “Sticks and stones may break my bones BUT word will never hurt me” to which I say WRONG!!!

Words will hurt. Words are powerful. Words can build-up. Words can break down. The question then becomes how do you use your words? Maybe a better question is how do you choose your words? Regardless, both questions need attention. While there are several different places I can reference from the Bible that help Christians watch their words, I will only focus on some select ones to answer our questions.

Question #1 – How do we use our words?

By asking this question I am desiring each of us to reflect on things we have said in the past week? If that is too large of a period (especially in COVID time), try the past day. Six hours?

The point is I want us to think back on the actual words we used. Often times I will recall a conversation and instead of stating what I have said I will often recount what I meant. Clearly, this allows me to take the posture of being right because I am revealing my intentions. By the way, we do this when we recount the other person’s words in a conversation. We will often assume what they mean and form opinions/responses around that rather than seek clarity.

SO take a moment and think about the actual words used in your conversations or even in your social media posts.   

If we can be honest sometimes we hold our words with a loose leash. Later James will actually mention how we praise God and curse His creation (other people) which should not be the case. The tongue is wild and we can often use it to wage war on others. However, for the Christian, this is not the way it should be. We are to understand the dangers of our words and use them wisely and purposely.

Just think about this one for a moment. When you speak it should be words that are helpfully building up others according to what they need and is a benefit to those listening.

REALLY?

We should be empathic in our listening so we can be soothing in our speaking. Notice the verses don’t mention that we are only to do this when we agree with or like the person we are talking to. This goes no matter who we are speaking/interacting with.

Question #2 – How do we choose our words?

This question can reveal our motives when engaging in certain conversations. How do we pick the precise words to use? Do you have a set of values that help you determine how you choose your words? Here are a few from proverbs that really impacted me.

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Proverbs 10:11

• This almost sounds like we mentioned earlier in terms of being soothing when we speak. The Proverbs connects a righteous person’s usage of language to a foundation of life. Are will selecting words that will give life to people? Remember, this doesn’t mean we avoid the truth and crucial conversations. Those who truly want to help others live full lives will often be willing to speak hard truths in ways that allow for future growth.

Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense. Proverbs 10:13

• When we speak are we using wise and Godly judgment on what we will say and how? Are will ensuring that our aim is to build this person up and if so then do our words match our goal?

The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense Proverbs 10:21

• This poetic device is very interesting. The righteous person and the fool are once again contrasted. The righteous is one whose lips provide nourishment to many. Not to ALL or everybody but many. Are we seeking to provide a God-like refreshing hope to those we speak to? The fool will die because he has no sense or judgment. His words will wage a war he cannot win.

In short, I want us to think about how we are using our words and the purpose of saying what we are saying. I want Christians to realize their words can be a blessing or a curse and we have a responsibility to use them rightly.