Words

by Joey Davis

The more I try to hone my skills as a writer, the more I become keenly aware that the words we choose reveal volumes about us as Christians. Every word we use possesses its own energy and carries this power with it, transferring itself on all who hear its message.

Solomon spoke well when he told his son that" like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances." I have found that being able to say the right words have been a source of comfort, strength, and encouragement. I have also seen that words spoken out of turn can cause a great deal of pain, confusion, and frustration.

When I think of biblical instruction on the power and importance of the Christian's speech, I think of our Lord's younger brother. In fewer words, yet with as much power, James rivals the instruction of Solomon concerning the matters of speech such as truth, self control, and edification.

I am certain that the Holy Spirit used James mightily in this area because of the experiences James had encountered with his Brother. James saw people "hurl abuse" at his brother.( Matthew 27:39) He was probably with Mary when she called for Jesus among his disciples and suffered rejection. ( Matthew 12:46) He may have wondered out loud about the sanity of his Brother and the wisdom of His quest.

These heartbreaking experiences could only prompt him to receive the message of the Spirit and write things like: "If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless." ( James 1:26) "If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. . . And the tongue is a fire. . . and sets on fire the course of our life. . . " ( James 3:2, 6)

Not long ago, I was told, "for a preacher, you sure don't talk much." In 1999, I have made an effort to follow the advice of my dad. . . "use your mouth and ears in the proportion that they were given." This was probably his rendition of James 1:19, ". . . let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak. . ." I only wish that I had always heeded these words.

Words are powerful. They cannot be retrieved once they are set free. So may we all use this gift wisely. May our speech be appropriate to the situation. May the words that we launch land with the softness of a feather when needed. ., or the power of a locomotive, if necessary.

You may not realize it, but people can read your heart by your vocabulary. May the words that we say never betray the mission the Master has planned for our lives.

• Cold Feet -Feb 04, 2001
• Speech Seasoned with Salt -May 02, 1999
• Falling Down -Mar 21, 1999
• What is Your Sign? -Feb 28, 1999
• Profane Speech -Jun 01, 1997