Power of Words
As the new year has begun I am endeavoring to send out my monthly musings once again. I have been writing and reflecting quite a bit the last few months but these reflections have been ending up posted on my Facebook page (under Larry Warner) and not finding their way into musings. But of late I have felt the invitation/challenge from God to begin to send the musings out again.
As I am beginning to write a bit more—currently working on a book dealing with grief—I have been paying more attention to words. I would in no way call myself a wordsmith or claim to have more than a passing understanding of English grammar but I have come to begin to grasp the power of words. Our words have power to do good or evil. .
As children we were sold a bill of goods when we were taught that totally misleading saying; sticks and stones will break our bones but words will never hurt us. That my friends is a crock of crap! I have been reminded of the power of words as I have been thinking through the various topics for my grief book. One section will deal with what NOT to say for words can be quite harmful. In Proverbs harsh words are likened to thrusts of a sword. I decided to go through the bible, focusing on Proverbs, and compile some verses that speak to this truth.
So this first musing if 2018 is comprised of a collection of passages that speak about the positive and negative power of words. I invite you to spend some time reflectively reading through these passages listening to the Spirit, seeking to discern if there is something God may be inviting you to ponder and possibly embrace AND to make a note of the positive and negative power of words delineated in these passages.
Power of Words
Proverbs 10:19 When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.
Proverbs 12:18 There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life,
But perversion in it [crushes the spirit.
Proverbs 15:23 A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!
Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 17:27 He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 25:11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.
Matthew 12:36 But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.
Matthew 12:37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Power of Words—drawing from the passage above what are:
1) the results of good, wise, timely words produce.
2) the results of bad, harsh, angry words produce.
It is important that we consider and weigh our words while speaking to others for they can bring life, calm, wounding and pain. In the months to come I will spend time exploring a number of these passages. Our words are important and it is important for us to own their power for good or evil and choose those words that are helpful according to the need of the moment and the make-up of the person we are speaking with.
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